Test Revision 2.0-2.8 Flashcards
(48 cards)
Why did Hitler call for new elections after becoming Chancellor?
He hoped the Nazis would win more seats to avoid relying on coalitions. Although they did win 288 seats (a record), but only 44.5% not an outright majority.
Why was the Reichstag Fire convenient for the Nazis?
27 February 1933 the Reichstag building caught fire, which was convenient for the Nazis because they blamed it on communist Marinus van der Lubbe, allowing Hitler to persuade President Hindenburg to pass the Reichstag Fire Decree—giving him emergency powers to fight the “communist threat.”
How did the Reichstag Fire Decree help the Nazis in March 1933 elections?
It allowed the Nazis to arrest around 4,000 communists, ban the Communist Party (KPD). They shut opposition papers, raided offices, broke rallies. The SA killed 50 opponents to spread fear and Nazi control
What was the significance of the Enabling Act?
Passed on 23 March 1933, it let Hitler make laws without the Reichstag, even if they broke the constitution. This eliminated democracy and gave him unchecked power.
How did Hitler secure support for the Enabling Act?
He used vote rigging, intimidation by the SA and SS, and backroom deals with other parties. With 83% of the Reichstag in support, he passed it legally but under duress.
What law did Hitler pass in July 1933?
A law banning the formation of new political parties. Germany became a one-party state - the Nazis were the only legal political party, this ended political opposition.
Why did Hitler order the Night of the Long Knives?
To eliminate rivals like SA leader Ernst Röhm and political critics, whom he saw as a threat, securing total control.
What message did the Night of the Long Knives send?
The purge showed that even Nazis couldn’t oppose Hitler—disloyalty meant death, proving his absolute power.
How did the army react to the Night of the Long Knives?
Hitler won army support by blocking the SA from merging with it—showing loyalty to traditional military structure
How did Hindenburg’s death help Hitler?
When President Hindenburg died on 2 August 1934, Hitler merged the roles of President and Chancellor to become Führer, eliminating the need for new elections.
What was the August 1934 referendum about?
It was held to confirm Hitler’s new title as Führer. Propaganda and intimidation led to 88% voting in favour, cementing his dictatorship with apparent public support.
What oath did the army swear after Hindenburg’s death?
They pledged unconditional loyalty to Hitler personally—not Germany—making him the supreme authority even over the military.
What is a totalitarian state and why did Hitler want one?
Hitler sought a totalitarian state where the government controls all aspects of life including politics, society, and personal behavior, to eliminate opposition and enforce Nazi ideology.
What was the Schutzstaffel (SS)?
Originally part of the SA, the SS was an elite unit under Heinrich Himmler, they became Hitler’s loyal enforcers of terror.
What did the SS do?
The SS controlled police, camps, and surveillance, enforcing Nazi ideology and eliminating enemies.
Why were the first concentration camps built and what were they like?
Concentration camps were created to hold rising numbers of Nazi opponents as prisons overflowed. Harsh labour, starvation, and public executions fostered fear and crushed resistance.
Who were the Gestapo?
The Gestapo, Hitler’s secret police, arrested opponents without evidence—often using torture to force confessions
What was the Gestapo’s main role?
The Gestapo crushed dissent with constant spying, brutal intimidation, and fear.
Who could the Gestapo arrest?
Anyone seen as a threat, including “undesirables” like political opponents, Jews, or others who did not conform to Nazi ideals—even without proof.
What happened on Kristallnacht/ November Pogrom?
On 9 November 1938, the Nazis coordinated an attack on Jewish synagogues and businesses, emergency services did not interfere because of the SA. Windows were smashed, hence it being called the Night of Broken Glass, property destroyed and Jews arrested.
Why was Kristallnacht a turning point in Nazi policy?
Kristallnacht marked a turning point from social and economic persecution to open, state-sanctioned violence—Nazis readiness to use brutal force against Jews.
What were the outcomes of Nazi policies towards Jews between 1933 and 1939?
Over 200,000 Jews fled Germany, but many were trapped by passport and visa barriers. Escalating propaganda and laws normalized antisemitism, laying the groundwork for genocide.
What were some Nazi laws against Jews from 1937 onwards?
- Jews’ money seized by state banks
- Jewish doctors & lawyers banned
- Businesses “Aryanised” (sold cheaply to Germans)
- Jewish children & teachers banned from schools
What new laws were introduced in 1938 to isolate Jews?
- Jews had to carry ID papers
- Jewish passports marked with a red “J”
- Jewish names changed (e.g., men added “Israel”, women “Sara”)
Foundation for later yellow star badge policy
