Consolidation of power

• What environment allowed National Socialism to flourish in Germany?

  The Wall Street Crash and democratic breakdown
• How did the shift to the political right affect the Weimar Republic?

  It undermined the stability of coalitions
• What was the intent of the right in Germany during the Weimar Republic?

  To return to a more authoritarian government
• Who was the main political actor in forming the new government in Germany?

  President Hindenburg
• Why is the term "Nazi seizure of power" considered a misnomer?

  Hitler was invited into power as a compromise
• What was the nature of the alliance that brought Hitler to power?

  A marriage between right-wing groups and the Nazis
• What was the conservative right's aim in relation to the Nazis?

  To achieve a stable parliamentary majority
• Who were Papen and Hugenberg in relation to the Nazi Party?

  They aimed to keep Nazi ministers in a minority
• What flawed idea did the conservative right have about controlling Hitler?

  They believed they could restrain him easily
• What was Papen's position that gave him significant influence?

  Minister-president of Prussia
• What did Hitler need to consolidate his power?

  Control of the chancellorship and ministries
• How did Hitler view sharing power?

  It was not part of his political vision
• What were the six phases of Hitler's consolidation of power?

  Winning elections, Reichstag fire, Enabling Act, Gleichschaltung, Night of the Long Knives, Hindenburg's death
• What characterized the coalition government formed on 30 January 1933?

  • Long line of Weimar coalitions
  • Dominated by nationalist parties
  • Based on November 1932 election results
• What was ironic about the election results of November 1932?

  Support for Nazis peaked in July 1932
• What was Hitler's position as chancellor?

  Far from fireproof and vulnerable
• What could potentially happen to Hitler as chancellor?

  He could be dismissed by the president
• What obstacles did Hitler face in pursuing absolute power?

  Bypass presidential authority, gain legislative powers
• What did Hitler need to strip away to consolidate power?

  Constitutional guarantees and political opposition
• What constraints did the Nazis operate under?

  Hindenburg's resentment and gradual changes
• What lesson did Hitler learn from the Munich Putsch?

  Not to risk everything on insurrection
• How did Hitler plan to secure an overall parliamentary majority?

  By calling early elections in March 1933
• What was Hitler's strategy regarding the Centre Party?

  Ensure unproductive negotiations to dissolve the Reichstag
• How did the non-Nazis in the cabinet respond to Hitler's election call?

  They meekly submitted without challenge
• What was the Nazi campaign slogan during the election campaign?

  'The restoration of order'
• What decree was issued on 4 February 1933?

  Allowed suppression of opposition newspapers and meetings
• How did the Nazis control radio broadcasting before the elections?

  They had almost complete control over it
• What was the impact of the Reichstag fire on the political climate?

  It intensified anti-Communist sentiment
• Who was accused of starting the Reichstag fire?

  Marinus van der Lubbe, a Dutch communist
• What was the purpose of the Decree for the Protection of the People and State?

  To suspend civil and political liberties
• What was the outcome of the 5 March election for the Nazis?

  Increased their share of the popular vote
• How many seats did the Nazis win in the 5 March election?

  288 seats
• Did the Nazis gain an overall majority in the 5 March election?

  No, they still lacked an overall majority
• What decree was issued on 28 February 1933?

  Reichstag Fire Decree
• What powers did the Reichstag Fire Decree grant the state?

  Search, arrest, imprisonment, and censorship
• Why were the Communists allowed to contest the 5 March election?

  To create an impression of legality
• What was the outcome of the 5 March election for the Nazis?

  They increased their vote share to 43.9%
• What happened by 9 March regarding Nazi power in the Laender?

  Nazi officials seized power effectively
• What did Article 68 of the Weimar Constitution state?

  Reich laws shall be enacted by the Reichstag
• What was Hitler's plan regarding the Enabling Act?

  To bypass the Reichstag's legislative powers