The creation of a dictatorship, 1933-1934 Flashcards
Why was the Reichstag Fire important?
Marius van der Lubbe, a Communist agitator, was arrested and blamed for the fire.
The day after the fire, “The Reichstag Fire Decree” was passed, leading to heavy restrictions on the freedom of Germans. With the Nazis in key positions in the government, this led to the arrest of anyone who opposed the Nazis.
What did the Enabling Act allow Hitler to do?
To pass laws without consultation of the President or the Reichstag. It allowed him to begin overriding the powers of the Weimar Constitution.
It represented the beginning of the end for Democracy in Germany.
What was the effect of banning Trade Unions and Political Parties?
The Trade Unions helped silence grassroots Communism.
Banning Political Parties made it possible to silence enemies of moderates and supporters of Democracy.
Why did Hitler see Ernst Rohm as a threat?
He wanted to merge the German army with the SA and have it placed under his command.
What happened on the Night of the Long Knives?
The SS were ordered to “purge” the SA with the murder of its elite leaders, including Ernst Rohm.
What did the death of Hindenburg mean for Germany?
The last bits of Democracy in Germany could be dismantled.
The army took an oath of loyalty to Hitler and Hitler gave himself the title of Fuhrer.
What did the army’s oath of allegiance mean for the SA?
The SA were no longer needed.
