The Riechstag Fire Flashcards
What was the Reichstag fire?
The German parliament building was destroyed by amassive fire in February 1933. A young communist was caught by the building with matches and firelighters by the police. He confessed and was found guilty of the fire. He was then executed in prison in January, 1934.
How did Hitler use the Reichstag Fire to his advantage?
Despite the young communist being arrested that evening, Hitler used the fire to make the German public and President Hindenburg believe that there was a biggercommunist threatagainst Germany. Now Hitler was in charge of the police, he ordered his newly appointed Chief of Police, Herman Goeringto arrest 4,000 communists that same evening.
How did Hitler persuade Hindenburg to give him more power?
After the fire, Hitler put pressure on Hindenburg to declare astate of emergency. This meant that Hitler was able to make decisions by himself
What did Hitler do with his State of Emergency power?
• Hitler issued a Decree for the Protection of the Peoplewhich gave him the legal power to imprison anyone he saw as opposition.
• He banned communist newspapers.
• He told the German police force toignore the violence of the SA
towards the communists.
• Hitler used the fear of the Communists to persuaded a wealthy
industry owner calledGustav Kruppto give the Nazi Party 3 million marks to fight against the Communist Party.
Why did Hitler call for another election?
Now that many Communists had been banned or under arrest, Hitler called for another election. After a bloody and violent campaign, the Nazis increased their share of the vote dramatically. Hitler now had enough members in parliament to vote for any laws he wanted and change the constitution of the Weimar Republic as he wanted.
