The Initial consolidation of Nazi power 1933-1934 Flashcards
Focus Study
When and what were the circumstances of Hitler appointment of chancellor?
January 1993
Hindenburg Begrudgingly appoints him
Hitler is a leading collation government, as the nazi party never achieves a clear majority
What is the included the legal revolution of 1933?
The Reichstag Election 5 March 1933
Hitler thought this new election would increase the Nazi vote and enhance his own status
Nazi vote increased from 33.1% to 43.9% - Hitler could claim majority with help from 52 seats won by Nationalists.
The Reichstag Fire & Decree
27 February the Reichstag building was set on fire. A dutch communist was arrested.
Emergency Decree/Reichstag Fire Decree - ‘Decree for the Protection of the People and State’ - power of central government was strengthened.
The Enabling Law March 1933
Does away with any parliamentary procedure and legislation; instead transfers power to the chancellor and his government for four years. Needed a two-thirds majority to pass the law. The Nazis achieve this with intimidation. The Death of Democracy.
What is the concept of Gleichschaltung?
Think social, political, economic
Social
Merging of German society with Nazi Party associations and institutions – ‘Nazifying’/’Nazification’
Government, Education etc.
Trade Union premises were occupied by the SA and SS, leaders were arrested.
Trade Unions banned, organisations were absorbed into German Labour Front – DAF.
Political
Enabling Act provided the basis for creating the arbitrary dictatorship - Weimar Constitution not dissolved legally until 1945.
Regional parliaments dissolved and reformed with acceptable majorities, Gauleiters given full powers, Jan 1934 regional parliaments were abolished
Communists outlawed since Reichstag fire.
After destruction of trade unions Social Democrats were seized and party officially banned, 22 June 1933.
Most other major remaining political parties agreed to dissolve themselves.
Emergence of the ‘One Party State’.
Economic
Large public works programs supported by deficit spending.
Needs German businesses and industry on side.
What was the night of long knives: June 30th - July 2nd 1934
Hitler needed the army on his side - whoever has control over the military has power.
Rohm (SA leader) wanted a ‘Second Revolution’; one where the SA would supersede the army as a people’s militia. Hitler viewed revolution as over. He needed stability now to consolidate power.
Violence and unrest had continued throughout Germany – The SA were getting out of hand (perceived ‘Revolution from Below’). This could create the impression that Hitler did not have ultimate control of his own party/people (‘Revolution from Above’).
Hindenburg, army leaders and business leaders all demanded that Hitler get the SA under control, and bring them to heel.
Because of this, Rohm and SA behaviour threatened the continued existence of Nazi power.
Hitler decides Rohm and elements of the SA leadership would have to be eliminated – other potential opponents are also targeted = ‘Operation Hummingbird’. The targeted killings are executed by the SS.
How is the consolidation complete?
Hindenburg dies 2 August 1934.
After his death, the ‘Law Concerning the Sovereign Head of the German Reich’ came into the effect. It combined the President’s powers with the role of Chancellor = the single office of the Fuhrer (Leader).
After Hindenburg’s death the army swore a personal oath of allegiance to Hitler.
This is a very interesting precursor of things to come. The German Army now sees itself as loyal to Hitler personally rather than the German nation.
Hitler’s power is now unchallenged
