Reichstag Fire Flashcards
What happened within 24 hours of Hitler becoming chancellor?
He had called for new elections on March 5th
What did Göring do in Prussia to spark terror and violence during the elections?
Used his authority to enrol an extra 50,000 into the police (nearly all from the SS or SS)
Resulting in 69 deaths in the five-week campaign
What did Hitler do in his speech on January 31st 1933?
Blamed the communists for Germany’s problems
What was Hitler promised on the 20th February during a meeting with industrialists?
Three million Reichsmarks
Made the nazis confident of gaining a parliamentary majority
When was the Reichstag fire?
27th February 1933 - Reichstag building set on fire
Who was arrested after the Reichstag fire?
Dutch communist - Marinus Van der Lubbe
What is suspicious about the Reichstag fire?
It was believed that it was a Nazi plot to support their claims of a Communist coup and thereby justify Nazi repression.
What did Frick do on the 28th February?
Drew up the ‘Decree for the protection of the people and state’ which Hindenburg signed
What happened in the final week of the election?
Hundreds of anti-Nazi’s were arrested and violence increased
What was the turnout in the March 1933 elections and what does this suggest?
88%
Suggests influence and intimidation of SA
