consolidation of power

• what was the Reichstag fire?

  An arson attack on the Reichstag building in Berlin
• when was the fire?

  27th February 1933
• who committed the Reichstag fire?


  -Dutch communist was accused

  
  

  -many believe Nazis were behind the plot though
• what were the consequences of the Reichstag fire?


  - President Hindenburg was persuaded by Hitler to issue an emergency decree

  - The decree curbed freedom of speech and the right of assembly

  - Gave the police an excuse to arrest communists, in Prussia over 4,000 were arrested in the days immediately after the fire
• what was the importance of the Reichstag fire?


  The Nazis used the fire as an excuse to expand their power

  
  

  Hitler used it to introduce measures to stop communists from taking part in may election
• What was the 'Decree for the Protection of People and State'?


  -a decree that was made after the Reichstag fire that Hitler persuaded Hindenburg to pass
• what was in the decree for the protection of people and state?


  -allowed Hitler to suspend civil rights of all citizens

  
  

  -removed restraint on police-people could be arrested and charged without evidence
• when was the decree passed?

  28th February 1933
• what were the consequences of the decree?


  -Nazis had power to suppress all political opposition

  
  

  -specifically targeted communists

  
  

  -beginning of end for democracy
• what was the enabling act?


  A law that would allow Hitler to pass laws without the approval of the Reichstag or the President

  -essentially began dictatorship
• when was the enabling act passed?

  23rd March 1933
• how was the enabling act passed?


  - banned communist party members from Reichstag

  - nationalist party members agreed to support him as they shared similar views

  - centre party members agreed to support him by promising to protect catholic church

  - SA and SS members placed around to intimidate members
• what was the importance of the enabling act?


  -Hitler used new powers to remove opposition and start dictatorship

  
  

  -only two forces left to challenge him were army and SA