The Reichstag Fire Flashcards
What faction of seats had the Nazis gained in the January 1933 election?
1/3rd of seats
Had Hitler and the Nazis ever gained a majority in the Reichstag?
No, the most before January 1933 was 230 seats in August 1932.
On January 30th 1933, what did Hitler state:
He made clear that he would be unable to work with the Reichstag
When did the Reichstag fire occur?
The night of the 27th February 1933
Who declared the fire as work of the Communists and Socialists?
Hitler, Goebbles and Goering
How did Hitler describe the fire?
A beacon from heaven and claimed it was the beginning of a communist putsch
Who was found at the scene of the crime?
Mairinus van der Lubbe and four other communist leaders
When Hitler found out a communist had caused the fire, what did he say?
He lost his temper and said ‘every communist must be shot!’
What did Marinus van der Lubbe state about the Reichstag fire and what happened to the four other leaders?
Marinus van der Lubbe stated “I set fire to the Reichstag all by myself” leading to the release of the four leaders
How did Hitler feel about the release of the four communist leaders and what did he decide for the future?
He was furious and decided all trials would be taken to a new people’s court where prisoners would be judged by a Nazi member
When was van der Lubbe executed?
10th January 1934
What happened to other communists and socialists?
They were rounded up and taken away into ‘protective custody’ where they were beaten up
How many communists and socialists were rounded up?
Nearly 4000 people
What did Hitler persuade Hindenburg to pass and how?
To pass the law of the Protection of the People and the state by using Article 48
What powers did the new law give Hitler?
Powers to arrest anyone suspected of opposing the government.
