Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act, 1933

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  • The Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act, 1933
    • Reichstag Fire
      • Dutch Communist was executed for having started the fire
        • Hitler seized the opportunity to accuse the Communist Party of a conspiracy against the government
          • 4 thousand Communists arrested
      • Gave Hitler an excuse to issue a Decree for the Protection of the People and the State - powers to imprison political opponents and ban opposition newspapers
      • Persuaded Hindenburg to call an election in March 1933 to secure more Nazi seats
      • Nazi Party managed to secure 2 thirds of the seats
        • Hitler now able to change the constitution
    • The Enabling Act, 1933
      • Hitler proposed this in order to destroy the power of the Reichstag and give himself total power to make laws
      • It stated:
        • 1. the Reich cabinet could pass new laws
        • 2. the laws could overrule the constitution
        • 3. Hitler would propose new laws
          • Result - Germany would no longer be a democracy
            • 2. the laws could overrule the constitution
            • 1. the Reich cabinet could pass new laws
      • Hitler expected resistance to the act so he used the SA to intimidate the opposition.
        • Vote was won by the Nazis - 444 to 94
      • Had an effect of trade unions and political parties
        • Allowed Hitler to get rid of opposition to the Nazis
          • Local Government
            • Closed down on 31st March 1933 and reorganized with Nazi majorities. Completely abolished in January 1934
          • Trade Unions
            • Replaced with German Labour Front. Many Union officials - arrested on 2nd May 1933
          • Other political parties
            • May 1933, SDP and Communist Party offices and funds were taken by the Nazis. July 1933, other political parties - banned

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