Political intrigue and appointment of Hitler as Chancellor Flashcards
What is the backstory behind Hitler becoming chancellor?
Papen had never forgiven Schleicher - so he was determined to regain political office, thus secret contacts were made with Nazi leaders which culminated in a meeting on January 3rd 1933 between Papen and Hitler, In this meeting it was agreed, in essence, that Hitler should be head of the Nazi-nationalist coalition gov.t with Papen as vice chancellor
What happened on the 30th January 1933?
Hindenburg appointed Hitler chancellor
What do many historians believe about Hitler’s rise to power?
“Nazism came to power as a result of the miscalculation by conservative politicians”
Within 24 hours of his appointment what did he do? Why did he do this?
Formed a new Reichstag election, knowing it would probably enhance his own status
What happened as a result of the new Reichstag election that Hitler had formed?
Violence and terror dominated, during the 5 week period - 69 people died in street fights, the Nazis used this atmosphere of hate and fear to great effect in their election propaganda
What did Hitler cultivate the idea of, without doing?
He cultivated the idea of restoring pride and unity in Germany; he played on the deepest desires of Germans, without committing himself to any political or economic programme
When was the Reichstag fire, what happened and what did people believe?
It happened on the 27th February 1933, when the Reichstag building was set on fire, many people believe it was a Nazi plot to justify Nazi repression
Marinus Van Der Lubbe was arrested
When was the Enabling Act and what did it mean?
It was signed on the 24th March 1933, and it effectively removed parliamentary power, procedure and legislation and transferred full power to the chancellor and his government for 4 years
Why was the Enabling Act a bad idea?
It meant that dictatorship would be grounded in legality, and gave the Nazis certainty; they believed that relying on the support of other parties wasn’t ideal as it was ‘unpredictable’
