The Nazis Come to Power

Question 1

Nazis use of Violence

Answer 1

1. Hitler’s SA or brownshirts were used to intimidate opponents and drum up support.
2. Running battles were fought with rivals the Communist party.
3. Violence and rivalry were central to Nazi philosophy of survival of the fittest.
4. Ernst Rohm led the SA for the Nazi party.
5. The Nazis claim that they are the only party capable of restoring ‘law and order.

Question 2

Hitler’s Abilities - the claims made

Answer 2

1. Hitler had an ability for public speaking and an understanding of ordinary peoples desires.
2. Hitler had ‘his finger on the pulse of Germany’ Walden.
3. His vision as highlighted in Mein Kampf.
4. He demonstrated singlemindedness in his efforts to get into power.
5. He stated the Nazis ‘Enter the Reichstag holding our noses’

Question 3

Hitler’s Political Strategy

Answer 3

1. Hitler appealed to many sections of society.
2. ‘Rip up the Treaty of Versailles’
3. ‘Work, freedom and bread’
4. Sort out the communists.
5. Guaranteed farm prices
6. Regain national pride.
7. Hitler is ‘the last hope’ for Germany.

Question 4

Hitler’s Opponents

Answer 4

1. Hitler should have been kept from power, he never gained an overall majority in an election.
2. Communists and Socialists were divided. The Stalinists attacked other Socialists as ‘social fascists’. Stalin declared ‘After Hitler, our turn’
3. Parties squabbled over how to deal with the depression.
4. In 1933 January Hitler is invited as Chancellor in an attempt to control him and the Nazi

Question 5

Hitler Consolidates Power 1

Answer 5

1. Hitler in a weak position because he could be dismissed by President Hindenburg (other Chancellors hadn’t lasted long!)
2. He cooperates closely with Hindenburg.
3. Febraury 1933 - concentration camps are opened.
4. Political opponents were put in these camps, beaten and forced to do hard labour unless they agreed to cooperate with the Nazis.
5. Mainly Communists arrested.

Question 6

Hitler Consolidates Power 2

Answer 6

1. On 27 February 1933 Reichstag burns down a week before a general election.
2. Dutch Communist arrested.
3. Hitler says it is a Communist plot and arrests 4000 Communists.
4. Communists banned from the election.
5. The ‘Enabling Act’ gave Hitler emergency powers to pass laws without the Reichstag.
   SS & SA surrounded the building to intimidate politicians.
6. Hitler could pass any law he wanted.
   7 On 14 July 1933 - Hitler rules that the Nazis were the only legal party in Germany.