What did Hitler do after becoming Chancellor in 1933? Flashcards
When did the Reichstag Fire occur?
February, 1933
What events occurred during the Reichstag Fire?
- Dutch communist, Van der Lubbe, is caught outside Berlin Reichstag
- Nazis claim this was a communist led plot to take over Germany
- 4000 communists arrested
How did Hitler benefit from the Reichstag?
He persuaded Hindenburg to allow him to arrest Communists and political opponents. This removed opposition to the Nazis.
When was the Enabling Act passed?
March, 1933
What was the Enabling Act?
A law that would give Hitler the power to pass laws without the permission of the Reichstag or the President.
How did Hitler use the Enabling Act?
- The Communist Party and SDP were banned from voting.
2. The Centre Party were persuaded to vote in favour of the law because Hitler promised to protect the Catholic Church.
How did Hitler benefit from the Enabling Act?
All important decisions would be made by Hitler and his closest advisers. The Reichstag had essentially voted itself out of existence and there was now no democracy within Germany.
When were all political parties banned?
July, 1933
How did banning all political parties benefit the Nazi Party?
No new parties could challenge the Nazis who were now the only party in Germany.
What happened in May, 1933?
All trade unions were banned and merged into the DAF, a union that was controlled by the Nazis.
How did banning trade union benefit Hitler?
It meant that the public were not able to complain about working conditions or anything else that the Nazi government changed.
When did the Night of the Long Knives occur?
30th June, 1934
How many members did the SA have in 1933?
3 million
What happened on the Night of the Long Knives?
Ernst Rohm, the leader of the SA and Hitler’s friend and SA members were killed, upon the orders of Hitler. This is because Hitler had become concerned about the increasing power of the SA and he also needed to reassure the army. The army leaders feared the SA would take over the army if the SA and the army merged. Hitler needed the support of the army if he was to progress as Fuhrer.
How did the Night of the Long Knives benefit Hitler?
It sent out a warning to the rest of Germany about how ruthless Hitler was in his pursuit to power. It also showed that he was willing to eradicate any threats, even if they were inside the Nazi Party so it instilled terror into everyone.
