The Enabling Act Flashcards
What was the enabling act?
The Enabling Act was the name of a law created by Hitler. If it was voted for, the Enabling Act would simply allow Hitler to make new laws without ever needing to get the support of other politicians in the Reichstag. Put simply, the Enabling Act would bring an end to democracy in Germany.
Why did the Reichstag vote for the Enabling Act?
• The Nazi Party used the SA and SS to intimidate politicians before the vote. There were no longer any Communist politicians to oppose the Enabling Act because of the events of the Reichstag Fire. The Nazi Party had a 2/3rds majority in the Reichstag anyway.
• The Enabling Act was voted for by 444 votes to 94. Even though members of the Reichstag were threatened and intimidated during the vote, it was still achieved legally.
