HI - Germany: 4.1

What limited Hitler's power in 1933?

The Weimar Constitution, Hindenburg, only 2/12 Nazis in his cabinet, and 1/3 of the Reichstag being Nazi.

Who was found at the Reichstag Fire site?

Communist Marinus van der Lubbe with matches and firelighters.

How did the Nazis respond to the Reichstag Fire?

They claimed a left-wing conspiracy, arrested 4,000 KPD leaders, and suspended civil liberties.

What did the Decree for the Protection of the People and State allow?

Police could search homes, arrest without trial, ban opposition meetings/newspapers, and take over state radio.

How did Goering change the police force after the Reichstag Fire?

He replaced non-Nazi officers with Nazis and recruited 50,000 SA as auxiliaries.

How did the Enabling Act pass?

KPDs were banned, Nazis won support from Nationalists and the ZP, and the SA/SS intimidated members to vote for it.

What did the Enabling Act allow?

It let Hitler pass laws and foreign treaties without Reichstag approval for four years.

What changes did Hitler make to local government in 1933-34?

He closed state parliaments, reorganized them with Nazi majorities, appointed Nazi governors, and abolished state parliaments in 1934.

How did Hitler control trade unions?

He arrested leaders on May 2, 1933, and forced workers into the German Labour Front.

How did Hitler eliminate political opposition?

The SDP and KPD had their offices occupied and funds taken, and by July 1933, the Nazis were the only legal party.

What was the Night of the Long Knives?

The SS executed around 90 SA members and rivals, including Röhm, Schleicher, Kahr, and Gregor Strasser.

Why did Hitler turn on the SA?

They were too powerful, Röhm was a rival, their violence hurt conservative support, and they embarrassed the Nazis.

How did the SA threaten Hitler's plans for the army?

They wanted to replace the army and began stopping convoys and confiscating weapons in 1934.

Why did Himmler resent the SA?

He wanted the SS to be the dominant force, not the SA.

Why was Röhm controversial among Nazis?

He was a socialist (offended big firms) and homosexual (offended Nazis/corrupted Hitler Youth).

How did Hitler justify the Night of the Long Knives?

He claimed he was the "supreme judge of the German people" and didn't need courts.

What happened when Hindenburg died?

Hitler combined the roles of President and Chancellor, becoming Führer.

What did the German army do after Hitler became Führer?

They swore a personal oath of loyalty to Hitler instead of the military or nation.