The Enabling Act

Question 1

Why could Hitler not pass the Enabling Act with only support from his coalition?

Answer 1

He only had 52% of the vote - he needed a two-thirds majority (66%)

Question 2

When did the vote for the Enabling Act take place?

Answer 2

24 March 1933 - only a few weeks after the 5 March elections

Question 3

Where did the vote for the Enabling Act take place? Why?

Answer 3

In the Kroll Opera House - because the Reichstag had been burned down

Question 4

How did Hitler get his two-third majority to pass the Enabling Act?

Answer 4

Through intimidation. On the evening of the vote, the Kroll Opera House was full of SA and SS men, there to terrorise MPs into voting with the Nazis

Question 5

The intimidation worked. What were the final vote tallies in favour of passing the Enabling Act?

Answer 5

444-94 - only the Social Democrats voted against it

Question 6

Who voted against the Enabling Act?

Answer 6

The Social Democrats - all 94 of them

Question 7

What powers did the Enabling Act give Hitler?

Answer 7

It gave him the power to make laws without the Reichstag for four years. (It was renewed again in 1937.)

Question 8

In 1933, what two things did Hitler ban using the Enabling Act?

Answer 8

• Trade Unions (in May - replaced with the German Labour Front)
• Other political parties (July) - making Germany a one-party state

Question 9

Which groups still remained a threat to Hitler?

Answer 9

The army and the SA - both had the power to overthrow Hitler if they chose to. He had the complete loyalty of neither.