Nazi Consolidation of Power

Reichstag Fire

Communist-started fire blamed to consolidate power.

Enabling Act

Granted Hitler 4-year rule without Reichstag.

Trade Unions

Protected workers' rights, banned by Nazis.

Night of the Long Knives

Hitler's purge to eliminate SA and rivals.

Führer

Hitler's title as absolute dictator of Germany.

Gleichschaltung

Total control over all aspects of life.

Dictatorship

Complete political control by one party or person.

Länder

German state governments abolished by Nazis.

SA

Paramilitary group purged during the Night of the Long Knives.

SS

Elite Nazi unit led by Himmler, gained importance post-purge.

Law Against Formation of Parties

Banned all political parties except Nazis.

Censorship

Control of printed/broadcast information by government.

Legal Revolution

Nazis gaining power legally to destroy the Republic.

President Hindenburg

Died in 1934, Hitler combined roles to become Führer.

Ernst Röhm

SA leader purged during Night of the Long Knives.

Reichswehr

German armed forces, precursor to the Wehrmacht.

Law for Protection of People and State

Restricted free speech and imprisoned enemies.

Decree for Protection of People and State

Allowed state to imprison enemies without trial.

Referendum

90% of Germans voted Hitler as Führer.

Operation Hummingbird

Night of the Long Knives operation to eliminate opposition.

SA Holiday

SA leaders gathered before being purged in June 1934.

Reich Governors

Controlled local states after abolition of local parliaments.

Law Against Formation of Political Parties

Banned all parties except Nazis.