Theme 1- Political and Governmental Change 1933-1945 Flashcards
What were the main limitations to Hitler’s power when he became Chancellor on 30th January 1933?
- The Nazis didn’t have a majority in the Reichstag which made it difficult to pass legislation.
- Hindenburg could remove him at any time.
- Institutions like the army and civil service were suspicious of the Nazis.
- Unions were strong and could organise another general strike.
- Radicals like Rohm could challenge his leadership.
- Strong opposition parties like the KPD and SPD.
- Only 2 other Nazis in his cabinet.
- Great Depression was still going on.
What were the main reasons for Hitler being appointed as Chancellor?
- Von Papen and Hindenburg wanted to use him against the communists and they thought they could manage him.
- Hitler came a close 2nd in the Presidential election- he was popular.
- Propaganda campaign- ‘man of the people’
- Won over the industrialists, army and middle class including von Papen.
- Nazis doubled their support in 1932 from 1930
- He met with von Papen and Hindenburg’s son to convince them to convince Hindenburg to appoint him.
When was the Reichstag Fire and who organised it?
27th February 1933. A young communist was arrested and charged with treason.
What were the legal effects of the Reichstag Fire?
Hitler convinced Hindenburg to declare a state of emergency which allowed Hitler to use emergency powers although he still didn’t have a majority in the Reichstag. The majority of the German public supported this as the media, led by Goebbels, exaggerated the communist threat as a result of the fire.
How did Hitler use the Reichstag fire to suppress opposition?
The police, SA and SS were used to beat up and murder 4000 communists. This massively weakened the power of the KPD.
How did the March 1933 elections change the position of the Nazis?
The KPD lost a significant number of seats while the Nazis gained close to 100 seats. The elections were corrupt with the SA present at polling booths and on the streets but the Nazis still didn’t have a majority so were still reliant on the support of the DNVP and ZP.
How did Hitler get the 2/3 majority he needed to pass the Enabling Act in March 1933?
He got the support of the ZP by promising to retain Catholic values which led to them voting in favour of the Act.
What powers did Hitler gain in the Enabling Act?
It lasted 4 years and gave Hitler the power to rule by decree and laws made by the cabinet no longer had to pass through the Reichstag or need presidential approval. This gave him dictatorial powers (not even the Kaiser had had this).
Why did Hitler attack Röhm and the SA in the Night of the Long Knives?
The SA was the left wing group of the Nazi party and there was less need for them now that the KPD had been destroyed. Hitler didn’t want to risk alienating the industrialists. Röhm was demanding a second revolution which posed a threat to the army and Hitler’s position. Goering and Himmler also felt threatened by Röhm’s power. Von Papen was trying to make a deal with the army which would give him Hitler’s position. Hitler decided to get rid of Röhm and the SA to gain the support of the army and minimise the threat to his position.
What happened in the Night of the Long Knives and what role did the army play?
In June 1934, Röhm and 85 others including von Schleicher were murdered and over 1000 people were arrested by the SS. Weapons and transport had been provided by the army.
How successful was the Night of the Long Knives?
It persuaded army leaders to support Hitler’s government and all German soldiers took an oath of loyalty to Hitler on 2nd August 1934. After Hindenburg’s death, Hitler was able to merge the positions of Chancellor and President unopposed and the power of traditional nationalists was now destroyed. The SA was brought under control and Hitler gained more control over the whole Nazi movement.
What legal and constitutional methods did the Nazis use to consolidate power?
- Enabling Act gave Hitler dictatorial powers
- March 1933 elections increased seats in Reichstag and meant KPD lost seats
- Law for the Reconstruction of the State in January 1934 removed state governments who were replaced by Reich governors (mostly Nazi gauleiters who were appointed by Hitler)
- Law Against the Formation of New Parties in July 1933- Germany became a one party state
How did the Nazis use force and intimidation to consolidate power?
- Reichstag Fire- crushed KPD through violence
- Night of the Long Knives- murdered Rohm and others and got rid of the threat of the SA
- Seizure and closure of trade union offices in May 1933 which removed the threat of powerful trade unions
- One day boycott of Jewish shops in April 1933
How did the Nazis use compromise to consolidate power?
- Enabling Act was passed because of compromises with the ZP to get 2/3 majority
- Concordat with Catholic Church in July 1933 meant the Catholic Church agreed not to oppose the political and social aims of the Nazis
- Very few changes to the cabinet from January 1933 to appeal to industrialists.
What was the ideology of the Nazis?
National socialism although the socialist aspect was mostly dropped after the Night of the Long Knives. It included intense nationalism revolving around an all powerful leader and they also had traditional values of authoritarian government and separate roles for men and women. Also included racism based on social Darwinism- superior races needed to dominate and they wanted to eradicate weaker races.
What were the main constitutional changes from Weimar Germany?
The roles of Chancellor and President were merged into Führer from August 1934. State governments lost a lot of power as Reich Governors took over. The Reichstag lost a lot of power too and voted to dissolve itself in 1942. Elections were less frequent and only Nazi candidates could stand for election.