Enabling Act Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was the Enabling Act?
A law passed on 23rd March 1933 that allowed Hitler to make laws without Reichstag consent for 4 years.
What was the official name of the Enabling Act?
“Law to Remedy the Distress of People and Reich”
How many votes were needed to pass the Enabling Act?
Two-thirds majority in the Reichstag.
How did the Nazis secure enough support to pass the Enabling Act?
Communists were banned from the Reichstag.
Centre Party was persuaded with false promises.
SA surrounded the Kroll Opera House to intimidate.
Other parties feared further repression.
What was the vote result for the Enabling Act?
444 in favour, 94 against (only the SPD voted against).
What did the Enabling Act allow Hitler to do?
Pass laws without Reichstag or presidential approval.
Effectively rule as a dictator.
Start dismantling democracy legally.
What was the impact of the Enabling Act on the Weimar Constitution?
It effectively nullified the democratic constitution and gave Hitler legal dictatorship.
How did the Enabling Act help Hitler consolidate power?
Banned trade unions.
Banned all political parties (except Nazis).
Established one-party rule.
Centralised all state governments under Nazi control.
When did the Enabling Act officially expire?
It was supposed to last 4 years but was renewed in 1937 and remained until 1945.
Why is the Enabling Act considered a turning point in German history?
It marked the legal foundation of Hitler’s totalitarian regime and the end of the Weimar Republic.
