3.1 - The creation of a dictatorship, 1933-34

The Reichstag Fire

Date: 27 February 1933 | A young Dutch communist, van der Lubbe, was caught at the scene. Hitler used it to claim a communist uprising was planned. Persuaded Hindenburg to declare a state of emergency. 4,000 communists arrested overnight. | Consequence: Hitler gained emergency powers and banned the Communist Party — removing his biggest rivals.

The Enabling Act

Date: March 1933 | Hitler intimidated the Reichstag with SS troops surrounding the building. Passed 444 votes to 94. | Gave Hitler the right to pass laws without the Reichstag for 4 years — effectively ending democracy. The Weimar constitution was dead.

Removing Opposition (1933)

May 1933: Trade unions banned, strikes made illegal. July 1933: All political parties banned except the NSDAP — Germany became a one-party state. January 1934: Länder (regional) parliaments abolished, replaced by Hitler-appointed governors.

The Night of the Long Knives

Date: 30 June 1934 | Röhm (SA leader) was seen as a threat — SA had 3 million men and he wanted more socialist policies. Hitler, backed by the SS, had Röhm and around 400 SA leaders shot without trial. | Consequence: Hitler secured loyalty of the army, destroyed a rival power base, and showed he would murder to stay in control.

Hitler Becomes Führer

Date: 2 August 1934 | President Hindenburg died. Hitler combined the roles of Chancellor and President, declaring himself Führer. Every soldier swore a personal oath of loyalty to Hitler. 90% voted in favour in a plebiscite. | The Weimar Republic was formally over. Hitler had total power.