Reichstag Fire

Cards (8)

What was the Reichstag Fire?
The Reichstag Fire was when the parliament building (the Reichstag) caught on fire and police caught Marinus Van der Lubbe on the scene.
Why was Van der Lubbe important?
He was a Dutch Communist; this meant that Nazi's could further perpetuate hate for the Communists by claiming the fire as a communist plot.
When did the Reichstag Fire happen?
The 27th of February 1933.
What happened to Marinus when he was caught?
He was arrested and charged; he then confessed at his trial which led to him being executed.
When was Marinus' trial?
His trial was the 23rd of November 1933.
What did the Reichstag Fire cause Hindenburg to do?
President Hindenburg signed an emergency decree that suspended all guarantees of liberty so police could now enter, seize and search property without needing to have a trial or evidence.
Why did the Emergency Decree help the Nazis?
The Emergency Decree meant that the police were able to do anything, along with decide what could and couldn't be on the radio, and as Nazis controlled the police that meant that within days only they were allowed to campaign for the elections on the 5th of March.
What else did the Enabling Act allow police to do?
It allowed police to arrest politicians, so Hitler arrested 4000 Communists without trial.