Topic 5: Why was Hitler able to dominate Germany by 1934? Flashcards
(9 cards)
What was the Munich Putsch (1923)?
Attempted coup by the Nazis in Munich, Bavaria
Planned to seize power with support of General Ludendorff
On 8 Nov 1923, stormed a beer hall and tried to force local leaders to back him
Failed – police and army stopped march; 16 Nazis killed
📌 Evidence: Hitler was arrested, tried, and sentenced to 5 years, but only served 9 months at Landsberg Prison
What did Hitler do during his time in prison?
- set out his political ideas:
-Abolish the Treaty of Versailles
-Unite all Germans (Anschluss)
-Lebensraum in the East
-Destroy Communism and democracy
-Anti-Semitism as core ideology
-Decided to gain power legally through elections
How did the Great Depression (1929) help the Nazis
US loans recalled → German banks collapsed
Unemployment soared: 6 million jobless by 1932
Weimar government appeared weak; used Article 48
People turned to extremists for solutions — Nazis promised jobs, order, and national pride
📌 Evidence: In 1930, Nazi seats jumped from 12 to 107 in the Reichstag
Why/how did the Nazis win votes?
Propaganda: posters, mass rallies, radio speeches, Hitler’s image as strong leader
Hitler’s oratory: charismatic, promised to end unemployment, destroy Versailles
Fear of communism: Nazis promised to protect businesses and the church
Weakness of Weimar: unstable coalitions, reliance on Article 48
📌 Evidence: Nazi vote share increased to 37% in July 1932 election – largest party in Reichstag
How did Hitler become Chancellor in 1933?
July 1932: Nazis became largest party (230 seats), but Hitler not made Chancellor
Nov 1932: Nazi votes fell, but still largest party, Nazi vote fell to 196 seats
Chancellors von Papen and von Schleicher both failed to form stable governments
Von Papen and Hindenburg underestimated Hitler – thought they could control him
30 Jan 1933: Hitler was made Chancellor as part of a deal — conservatives like von Papen thought they could control him
What was the Reichstag Fire (Feb 1933) and how did Hitler use it?
27 Feb 1933: Reichstag building set on fire
Dutch Communist Marinus van der Lubbe arrested
Hitler blamed the Communist Party (KPD) – claimed it was a conspiracy
Used it to pass the Reichstag Fire Decree: suspended civil liberties
📌 Evidence: 4,000 Communists arrested; newspapers and meetings banned
What was the Enabling Act (March 1933)?
Gave Hitler power to make laws without Reichstag for 4 years
Needed two-thirds majority – achieved through intimidation and banning communists
Passed on 23 March 1933
Marked the end of democracy in Germany
What was the Night of the Long Knives (June 1934)?
Hitler ordered the SS to kill SA leaders like Ernst Röhm
Röhm had over 2 million SA members – seen as a threat to Hitler and the army
About 400 people killed, including political opponents
Gained support of the army
📌 Evidence: Army swore personal loyalty to Hitler after the purge
What was the army oath (1934)?
After President Hindenburg died in August 1934, Hitler merged the roles of Chancellor and President
Army had to swear personal loyalty to Hitler as Führer
Removed final check on Hitler’s power
📌 Evidence: Army oath replaced oath to the constitution — Hitler now had complete control
