The decree for the Protection of the People and the State

Question 1

What was the Decree for the Protection of the People and the State?

Answer 1

It was a law passed the day after the Reichstag Fire, which suspended most civil rights.

Example: Freedom of speech, right to hold meetings, right to print opinions in newspapers, right to privacy in post or phone calls.

Question 2

How did Hitler use the Decree for the Protection of the People and the State against his political opponents?

Answer 2

He used it to arrest 40,000 Communists and Socialists, shut down the KPD, and prevent them from campaigning.

This was done in the hope of reducing votes for them and increasing chances for the Nazis to win a majority of seats.

Question 3

What was the Enabling Act?

Answer 3

It was another act passed by Hitler to gain more power, allowing him to pass laws without needing the 2/3 majority to change the constitution.

Example: With the support of just 52 deputies, Hitler could get his ideas passed into law.

Question 4

What happened during the Reichstag Election on 5th March 1933?

Answer 4

Hitler’s Nazis were still the largest party but did not have an overall majority, winning 44% of the vote.

Despite this, Hitler could not change the constitution with just 44% of the vote.