Topic 6: The establishment of Hitler's dictatorship Flashcards
How does Hitler establish his dictatorship?
1) Reichstag fire (27th February 1933): The Reichstag building in Berlin was destroyed by fire.
- The Nazis exploited the fire and Goebbels used it to spread propaganda than Germany was under attack from communists. 4000 communist leaders were arrested.
- Hitler convinced Hindenburg to use his powers to place Germany is a state of emergency and introduce a decree for protection of the people.
- Freedom of speech and right to press ended, gov could arrest people without charging them, property could be searched and confiscated without permissions, opponents could be arrested.
2) New elections (5th March): The Nazis used the SA to put pressure on their political opponents.
- More than 50 opponents were killed and many were injured.
- The Nazis took control of the media and broadcasted their anti-communism message, businessmen were also n board to help fund their election campaign.
- The Nazi’s gained 44% of the vote and with the support of the national party, Hitler could now count on over 50% of the Reichstag.
3) Enabling act (24th March): Hitler wanted an enabling act that would give him the power to pass laws without going through the Reichstag. To achieve this 2/3 of the Reichstag needed to agree.
- Communist party was banned from voting, the social democrats feared the SS and SA. The centre party were persuaded by Hitler promising to protect the catholic church.
- The act was passed 444 votes to 94.
4)Trade unions taken over (May): Trade unions and offices were taken over and union leader arrested.
- The unions were in a weak position and could not start a general strike.
- All trade unions merged into one organisation, the German labour front, controlled by the Nazis.
5) All political parties banned (July): A law was introduced that banned all other political parties being formed.
- At this point the social democrats and communists party had been banned and the national party and centre party broke up because of their fear of the Nazis.
- This new law meant that the Nazis were the only party left.
What was the night of long knives?
- During the night of 29th June 1934, Hitler flew to Munich and arrested Ernest Rohm (leader of the SA).
- He was accused of plotting to overthrow Hitler. He was shot.
- Other SA leaders were taken by surprise at a hotel where they were dragged from their beds by members of the SS, taken to Nazi headquarters and executed.
What were the causes for the night of long knives?
1) SA had over 3 million member whom Rohm had begun to arm with weapons. Hitler didn’t want them to become a military force.
2) Army officers feared Rohm wanted to take over the army, they didn’t like the political views of the SA and viewed them as violent and ill-disciplined.
3) In June 1933 Rohm warned Hitler that the SA would continue to fight for the changes they wanted even if it meant going against the Nazi party.
4) 2 leading Nazis (Goering and Himmler) wanted to reduce Rohm’s influence and so reported rumours to Hitler that SA uprisings were planned for June.
5) Rohm didn’t like Hitler’s links with rich industrialists a, generals and landowners and wanted a social revolution that would bring equality.
6) Rohm didn’t feel the SA had been rewarded enough.
7) The SA were poorly disciplined, turning some people away from the Nazi party, in some areas they were behaving like they were the police. People felt intimidated.
8) Hitler needed the support of the army as it was the only organisation that had the power to overthrow him.
9) Most of the SA were working class and wanted to introduce reforms that would help them. Hitler was worried this might turn wealthy, powerful people away from the Nazis.
10) Hitler’s personal bodyguard, the SS, wanted to break away from the SA.
What were the consequence of the night of long knives?
- Many of the people Hitler regarded as a threat were now dead.
- The SS emerged as the group responsible for Hitler’s security. Along with the Gestapo they now formed the basis of the police state.
- Hitler had now established murder as somethings the Nazi gov did.
- Hitler won the army’s support and his actions were popular amongst the people and Hindenburg.
- The power of the SA was now reduced.
How does Hitler become Fuhrer?
- Hindenburg dies on 2nd August 1934, within 1 hour of news of his death, Hitler announced he would be combing positions of chancellor and president and become the fuhrer.
- On 19th August he organised a referendum and 90% of voters said they approved of him being fuhrer.
What is the army oath?
- Hitler became commander in chief of the armed forces. The army to an oath of personal loyalty to him.
- Hitler made it clear he wanted Germany to be a great military power again.
- He planned to spend money on rearmament and to bring back conscription and in return the army would stay out of politics.
