When was the reichstag fire?
27th February 1933
How were the courts controlled?
National Socialist League for Maintenance of Law was set up
Judges had to join otherwise they couldn’t be judges
Sentences were increased if they weren’t considered harsh enough
Set up people’s courts
What were the key features of the Reichstag fire?
Marinus Van der Lubbe was blamed
Said communists were planning revolution so they were in a state of emergency
Nazi probably started it
4000 communists were arrested
What was the enabling act?
Gave hitler the power to rule by decree for four years if they were in a state of emergency but Reich government had to agree
Why did the government agree to the enabling act?
They were intimidated by the SA who were there
Thought they were in a state of emergency
They were nazis
How many votes did the enabling act pass by?
441 to 83
How did the enabling act help Germany become a dictatorship?
Gave parliament no power
Gave hitler the power to remove enemies
When were trade unions banned?
May 1933
Why did hitler target trade unions?
They could organise a strike which could affect the economy
How did hitler ban other parties?
A law banning establishment in July 1933
Attacked, arrested or beaten up
Sent to concentration camps
How did banning other parties and trade unions help Germany to become a dictatorship?
No threats outside his party
When did Hindenburg die?
2nd August 1934
How did Hindenburg’s death help make Germany a dictatorship?
No one could fire him
What did hitler do after Hindenburg’s death?
Force an oath of loyalty directly to him from every soldier
Took on responsibilities of president
Called himself Der Fuhrer
When was the night of the long knives?
30th June 1934
What happened on the night of the long knives?
Hitler eliminated threats within his own party by saying they were plotting against him
400 people killed (including 150 of SA)
Röhm was taken to jail and left with a gun
Von Schliecher killed
Von Papen surrounded
Why was Röhm important to target in the night of the long knives?
Had more socialist views than hitler
Opposed some policies
Perfect position to challenge them with 3 million soliders behind him (SA)
How did the knight of the long knives help Germany to become a dictatorship?
Made army more willing to accept orders
Eliminated threats within his own party
Why were the churches important to target?
Strong influence
Opposed some teachings (Christianity taught tolerance and peace and nazis taught strength and violence)
What did hitler agree at first with the Catholic Church?
To confirm freedom of worship
Not to interfere with catholic schools
What did the Catholic Church agree with hitler at first?
Priests wouldn’t interfere with politics
Bishops swore oath of loyalty to national socialist regime
What happened to catholics in the late 30s?
Priests harassed
Priests sent to concentration camps
Catholic youth activities banned
Catholic schools taught in same ways as state schools
Why did some Protestants work with the nazis?
Grateful for protection from communism
What was the Pastors’ Emergency League?
Set up by Pastor Martin Niemöller
Campaigned against Nazi actions
Niemöller arrested and sent to concentration camp 1937
PEL banned 1937
What was the German Christian Movement?
Ludwig Muller was leader
Hitler made him Reich bishop of Germany in September 1933