Reichstag Fire - revision resource sheet

• • 27 Feb 1933 - Marinus van der Lubbe was found at the scene with matches in his pockets.
  • Hitler convinced people that Communists were a danger to the country, within hours 4000 communists arrested.
  • Police arrested 10,000 communists in 2 weeks, including most of the leaders.
• • Newspapers were censored and letters and phone calls were checked which hindered opposition to the Nazis.
  • In run up to election - anti-communist propaganda spread by Nazis which led to communists being driven underground. This created more support for the Nazis.
  • 28 February - Reichstag Fire Decree which suspended important civil and political rights.