The Nazi Dictatorship - Hitler's Consolidation Of Power Flashcards
Also revision for Nazi control practice essay
How did Hitler create a one-party state?
- Communists and the KPD had been suppressed in the Reichstag Fire Decree.
- As the SPD voted against the Enabling Act they were banned as a ‘part hostile to the nation and state’ in June 1933.
- Realising day were numbered the DNVP disbanded on 27 June 1933 and the Centre Party on the 5 July. The Centre Party had been somewhat appeased by the signing of the Concordat.
- July 1933 - ‘Law against the Formation of New Parties’.
- Socialists were persecuted, imprisoned or fled.
How did the Nazis establish control over local government?
1) 31 March 1933 - ‘Frist Law for the Coordination of the Federal States’ dissolved elected assemblies and replaced them with Nazi dominant ones.
2) 7 April 1933 - ‘Second Law for the Coordination of Federal States’ created the post of Reich Governor to oversee the government of each state and ensure they followed central government policies.
3) 30 January 1934 - ‘Law for the Reconstruction of the Reich’ abolished state assemblies.
4) 14 February 1934 - Reichsrat abolished.
How did Nazis obtain local posts?
Many Gauleiters (Nazi party leader at regional or state level) took over the roles of Reich Governors within their areas. The Nazis used violent campaigns to remove political opponents from important local positions and replace them with Nazis.
How was control over the Civil Service established?
Most civil servants were conservative and so in support of Hitler’s appointment. However, those whose loyalty was in doubt were replaced by Nazi officials (often with little experience). Nazi Party officials were also often placed in government offices to watch over civil servants.
What happened in the SA that made things problematic for Hitler?
- Rohm called for a ‘Second Revolution’ where the SA would replace the army as the national milita.
- Many SA members became disillusioned after their lost auxiliary police status as they no longer had a clear role. Drunken brawls and fights with the police increased.
- SA violence was damaging to Hitler’s relationship with the army and Hindenburg.
What did the SA do which angered the army?
In the summer of 1934 SA units began stopping army convoys and confiscating weapons and supplies.
What was the (1) political and (2) army’s response to the SA threat?
1) 17 June 1934 - Papen made a speech at Marburg University criticising Nazi excesses and SA violence. It had Hindenburg’s support.
2) Blomberg, with Hindenburg’s support, threatened to declare martial law and give the army the power to deal with the SA.
Why was the army and Hindenburg still a threat to Hitler’s power?
The army, which was still fairly independence, and Hindenburg retained the power to remove Hitler from office.
When was the Night of the Long Knives?
30 June, 1934
How many people were targetted in the Night of the Long Knives?
At least 84 were executed and 1,000 arrested. As well as the SA leadership being purged other political opponents including Schleicher, were eliminated. Papen was put under house arrest.
What did Hitler do after the Night of the Long Knives that secured the army’s and public support?
When he addressed the Reichstag on 13 July 1934 he accepted full responsibility saying that he acted as the supreme judge of the German people and had been compelled to act in order to prevent a SA coup.
What happened to SA membership after the Night of the Long Knives?
By October 1935 its membership had declined from around 3 million to 1.6 million.
When did Hindenburg die?
2 August, 1934
What did Hitler do after Hindenburg’s death?
1) The announcement that the offices of chancellor and president would be merged was announced an hour after his death.
2) Officers and soldiers of the army also awore an oath of loyalty to Hitler on the same day.
3) 19 August - Plebiscite got the German people’s seal of approval on Hitler’s appointment as Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor. 89.9% of voters approved, 4.5 million had the courage to vote no.
