🛑 3.1 Hitler's Consolidation of Power

Question 1

Q1: What was the Reichstag Fire and when did it happen?

Answer 1

A1: The Reichstag building was set on fire in February 1933.

Question 2

Q2: Who was blamed for the Reichstag Fire?

Answer 2

A2: The Nazis blamed the Communists, specifically a Dutch communist called Marinus van der Lubbe.

Question 3

Q3: What did Hitler do after the Reichstag Fire?

Answer 3

A3: He persuaded President Hindenburg to sign the Emergency Decree, which suspended civil liberties and allowed arrest of political opponents.

Question 4

Q4: What was the Enabling Act?

Answer 4

A4: A law passed in March 1933 that allowed Hitler to pass laws without Reichstag approval for 4 years.

Question 5

Q5: How did Hitler secure the Enabling Act?

Answer 5

A5: Through intimidation, banning communist deputies from voting, and support from the Centre Party.

Question 6

Q6: What happened to trade unions after the Nazis came to power?

Answer 6

A6: Trade unions were banned in May 1933 and replaced by the Nazi-controlled German Labour Front.

Question 7

Q7: What happened to other political parties in 1933?

Answer 7

A7: All other parties were banned, making Germany a one-party state by the end of 1933.

Question 8

Q8: What was the Night of the Long Knives?

Answer 8

A8: A purge in June 1934 where the SS murdered leaders of the SA, including Ernst Röhm.

Question 9

Q9: Why did Hitler carry out the Night of the Long Knives?

Answer 9

A9: To eliminate the SA’s threat to his power and reassure the army and conservatives.

Question 10

Q10: When did President Hindenburg die, and why was it important?

Answer 10

A10: Hindenburg died in August 1934, which allowed Hitler to merge the presidency with the chancellorship, increasing his power.

Question 11

Q11: What did Hitler do after Hindenburg’s death?

Answer 11

A11: He declared himself Führer, combining the roles of President and Chancellor, making him the absolute leader of Germany.