The Enabling Act, March 1933

• What did Hitler request in March 1933 after the election?

  An Enabling Act
• What was the purpose of the Enabling Act proposed by Hitler?

  To make his temporary emergency powers permanent
• What would the Enabling Act allow Hitler and his cabinet to do?

  Make laws without the consent of the Reichstag
• For how long was the Enabling Act initially intended to be in effect?

  Four years
• Why was a two-thirds majority required to pass the Enabling Act?

  Because it would change the constitution
• How did Hitler manage to secure support for the Enabling Act?

  He convinced the Catholic Centre Party to support it
• What role did the SA play in the passing of the Enabling Act?

  They intimidated other deputies in the Reichstag
• On what date was the Enabling Act passed?

  24 March 1933
• What was the outcome of the vote for the Enabling Act?

  It was passed by 444 votes to 94
• What did the passing of the Enabling Act signify for the Weimar constitution?

  It ended the Weimar constitution
• 1.After the election, Hitler wanted to make his temporary emergency powers permanent so requested an Enabling Act in March 1933.
• 2. This law would overturn the Weimar constitution and allow Hitler and his cabinet to make laws without the consent of the Reichstag, initially for four years.
• 3. As this law would change the constitution a two third majority was required to pass it. Hitler was able to convince the Catholic Centre Party to support it, and he placed the SA in the Reichstag Chamber to intimidate other deputies into supporting it.
• 4. On 24 March 1933 the Act was passed by 444 votes to 94, ending the Weimar constitution.