Nazi Dictatorship & Domestic Policies (1933–1939) Flashcards
(27 cards)
Who was blamed for the Reichstag Fire and how did it help Hitler?
A Dutch communist (van der Lubbe) was blamed; Hitler used it to pass the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties and arresting communists.
What was the Enabling Act (March 1933)?
Gave Hitler the power to make laws without Reichstag approval for 4 years—key to establishing dictatorship.
What is Gleichschaltung?
“Coordination” of all aspects of German life under Nazi control (parties, unions, culture, etc.).
How did Hitler create a one-party state?
Banned all other political parties by July 1933; only the Nazi Party was legal.
What was the Night of the Long Knives (June 1934)?
Purge of the SA and political enemies (e.g., Röhm); increased Hitler’s control and reassured the army.
Why was Hindenburg’s death important?
Allowed Hitler to merge roles of Chancellor and President into Führer—complete control.
Why was the army oath of loyalty to Hitler important?
Secured army’s support and loyalty, giving him military backing for dictatorship.
How did censorship help Hitler maintain control?
Controlled the press, books, radio, and films—opposition voices were silenced.
How did Nazi propaganda work?
Promoted Nazi ideology and Hitler’s image through media, rallies, education, and films.
What roles did the courts, SS, and Gestapo play in Nazi terror?
SS: elite Nazi police; Gestapo: secret police; courts: biased towards Nazis—all used fear and violence.
Was propaganda or terror more effective in control?
Both were vital—terror silenced opposition, propaganda shaped public opinion.
What happened to political parties under Hitler?
All banned except Nazis; others dissolved or forced to disband.
How were Jewish people treated in Nazi Germany?
Discriminated via laws (Nuremberg Laws), violence (Kristallnacht), and exclusion from society.
What was Kristallnacht (1938)?
State-sponsored attack on Jewish property and synagogues; 91 killed, 30,000 arrested.
Why did Hitler sign the Concordat with the Pope (1933)?
To gain Church support and avoid opposition; Nazis later broke the agreement.
What was Schacht’s New Plan (1934)?
Aimed to reduce imports and unemployment; helped short-term recovery.
What was Goering’s Four-Year Plan (1936)?
Prepare Germany for war via rearmament and economic self-sufficiency (autarky).
What public works did the Nazis introduce and why?
Autobahns, housing, rearmament; aimed to reduce unemployment and boost the economy.
What is autarky?
Economic self-sufficiency—important for Nazi war aims.
What was the German Labour Front (DAF)?
Nazi replacement for trade unions; controlled workers, ensured productivity.
What was the Strength Through Joy programme?
Provided leisure and holidays to motivate workers and promote loyalty.
How did economic policies help Hitler consolidate power?
Reduced unemployment, improved morale, and gained public support.
What were the “Three Ks” for women?
Kinder, Küche, Kirche (Children, Kitchen, Church); restricted women’s roles.
How did youth groups consolidate Nazi power?
Indoctrinated children into Nazi ideology (e.g., Hitler Youth, League of German Girls).
