The Reichstag Fire, and the Enabling Act

Question 1

The Reichstag Fire in February 1933 - van der Lubbe was arrested and killed for starting the fire ->

Answer 1

some people believed the Nazis had started the fire deliberately.

Question 2

A lone Dutch communist was arrested for starting the fire but Hitler seized the opportunity too accuse the Communist Party of….

Answer 2

a conspiracy against the government

Question 3

Hitler issued a __________ of __________ of the People and he could now imprison political opponents and ban…

Answer 3

opposition parties/newspapers

Question 4

__________ communists were arrested

Answer 4

4000

Question 5

After the Reichstag Fire, Hitler persuades Hindenburg to call an election. The Nazis…

Answer 5

gain two thirds of the seats - the communists couldn’t secure seats due to the emergency powers.

Question 6

Article 48

Answer 6

Hitler used Article 48 to secure power against all communist opposition. By eliminating opposition, the next biggest party became the Nazis

Question 7

The Enabling Act 1933

Answer 7

• the Reich cabinet could pass new laws
• the laws could overrule the constitution
• Hitler would propose the laws

He was able to do this because of Article 48

Democracy in Germany abolished.

Hitler expected resistance to the act so used the SA to intimidate opposition - the vote was won by the Nazis.

Question 8

The enabling act enabled Hitler to get rid of opposition to the Nazis -> Local Governments

Answer 8

In Germany, there used to be Lander governments - in order to make sure every state in Germany was under complete Nazi control and to minimise the risk of opposition, he abolished the Lander governments.

Question 9

The enabling act enabled Hitler to get rid of opposition to the Nazis -> Trade Unions

Answer 9

These were replaced with the German Labour Front - many union officials arrested - abolished workers rights in order to further emphasise nationalism instead of left-wing ideals.

Question 10

The enabling act enabled Hitler to get rid of opposition to the Nazis -> Political opposition

Answer 10

in May 1933, the SDP and communist party KDP were abolished and their funds were stollen by the Nazis. All other political parties banned - Germany becomes a one-party state.