1933 - 1945 Flashcards
What were the 8 steps to Hitler becoming a dictator?
- Reichstag Fire
- General Election
- Enabling Act
- Gestapo
- Trade Unions Banned
- Opposition Banned
- Night of the Long Knives
- Fuhrer
Explain the role of the Reichstag Fire in Hitler becoming a dictator
Date: 27th Feb 1933
Reichstag was burnt down and a communist - Van der Lubbe was found inside the building with matches. Hitler used it as an excuse to arrest several communist opponents.
Explain the role of the general election in Hitler becoming a dictator
Date: 5th March 1933
44% voted for the Nazis. They arrested 81 communist deputies which got them the majority and joined another small R.W. party.
Explain the role of the enabling act in Hitler becoming a dictator
Date: 23rd March 1933
The Reichstag voted 444 against 94 to deploy the enabling act, under which Hitler didn’t have to get approval from the Reichstag to pass laws. It made Hitler a ‘legal dictator’ and allowed him to ban parties.
Explain the role of the Gestapo in Hitler becoming a dictator
Date: 26th April 1933
Nazis took over the local government and the police. They set up the Gestapo and encouraged Germans to turn in opponents and grumblers. Jews, communists, gypsies etc were send to concentration camps.
Explain the role of the banning of trade unions in Hitler becoming a dictator
Date: 2nd May 1933
Trade unions’ offices closed and money confiscated. Allowed Hitler to introduce German Labor Front - reduced wages and removed the right to strike.
Explain the role of the banning opposition in Hitler becoming a dictator
Date: 14th July 1933
One party state. All opposition leaders in prison.
Explain the role of the Night of the Long Knives in Hitler becoming a dictator
Date: 30th June 1934
By 1934, SA > 100 000. Rohm wanted socialist revolution ad wanted to take over the army. SS killed 400+ SA men and murdered leaders including Gustav von Kahr.
Explain the role of becoming Fuhrer in Hitler becoming dictator.
Hindenburg died and Hitler declared himself President and leader of the army. The final stepping stone.
What were the ways in which Hitler controlled Germany.
- One Party State
- Terror
- Propaganda
- Youth
- Workforce
- Religion
- Racism
How did a one party state help Hitler keep control?
“Law against formation for parties” on July 14th July 1933 banned all parties except Nazis. Nazi members got best houses, jobs and privileges.
How did terror help Hitler keep control?
Gestapo and SS made everyone feel threatened and scared to voice their opinions. People, especially youth were encouraged to turn in opposers. Tens and thousands of gypsies, Jews and communists were sent to concentration camps. Night of the Long Knives removed threat inside the party.
How did propaganda help Hitler keep control?
Everything was organized in a way that made people feel grateful for Hitler. Made people feel part of a great movement - 1936 Olympic Games. Used up-to-date technology.
How did youth help Hitler keep control?
Youth were indoctrinated to believe in German ideology. History - learnt how Germany was stabbed in the back by democrats. In biology they learnt that Aryans were superior and Jews inferior. Sports and games for boys. BDM for girls - good mother and love Hitler.
How did workforce help Hitler keep control?
Banned trade unions. GLF banned strike and reduced wages. Strength through Joy - picnics, cinema etc.
