consolidation of power

• Between which years did Hitler turn Germany into a one-party dictatorship?

  1933 and 1934
• What new post was created by merging the chancellor and president in August 1934?

  Fuhrer
• What was the significance of the Reichstag Fire?

  • Hitler had a weak position initially
  • Persuaded Hindenburg for a general election
  • Fire led to the arrest of a Dutch communist
  • Hitler claimed a communist revolution was imminent
  • Hindenburg signed the 'decree for the protection of the people and state'
  • This restricted free speech and press
  • Banned communist and socialist newspapers
• How many Nazis were in the cabinet when Hitler became chancellor?

  Two other Nazis
• Why was Hitler's position considered weak when he became chancellor?

  Because the Nazis lacked a majority in the Reichstag
• On what date was the general election called by Hindenburg?

  March 5th
• What event occurred on February 27th that was significant for Hitler?

  The Reichstag building was set on fire
• Who was arrested and charged after the Reichstag Fire?

  A Dutch communist
• What did Hitler argue was the reason for the Reichstag Fire?

  That communists were planning a revolution
• What power did the 'decree for the protection of the people and state' give Hitler?

  To restrict free speech and imprison enemies
• What types of newspapers were banned after the decree?

  Communist and socialist newspapers
• What happened during the 1933 election and the Enabling Act?

  • Nazis formed a coalition with the National Party
  • Hitler needed two-thirds of the seats for the Enabling Act
  • Communists were banned from entering the discussion
  • SA prevented opponents from entering
  • Passing of the act marked the end of Weimar
• What were the uses of the Enabling Act?

  1. Removed Jews and political opponents from civil service
  2. Banned all trade unions and made strikes illegal
  3. Made Nazis the only legal political party
  4. Imposed severe control and censorship of the press
• How did Hitler remove his political opponents?

  • Trade unions replaced by DAF
  • DAF controlled wages and employment
  • Law against the formation of parties passed in July 1933
• What was the Night of the Long Knives?

  • SA leader Ernst Rohm posed a threat
  • Rohm wanted to incorporate the army into the SA
  • Hitler chose to sacrifice the SA
  • SS carried out a purge of over 400 enemies
  • Included Rohm and former Chancellor von Schleicher
• What were the outcomes of the Night of the Long Knives?

  • Eradicated opponents to Hitler's rule
  • Secured army's support for Hitler
  • Reduced SA to a minor role
• When did Hindenburg die?

  August 2nd, 1934
• What did Hitler do after Hindenburg's death?

  He merged the posts of chancellor and president
• What oath did the German army take on the day of Hindenburg's death?

  Oath of loyalty to Hitler