Further development in the Nazi control of Germany after 1933

The Election of 1933

To change the Weimar Constitution a two-thirds majority in the Reichstag was essential.
To gain Reichstag support Hitler called a general election for March 1933.
During the election campaign Hitler focused on the very serious danger to the republic of a communist uprising.
On the 27th February the Reichstag in Beriln was gutted by fire.
A young Dutch communist, Marinus van der Lubbe, was caught in the burning building and admitted responsibility.
The Nazis exploited real fears of a communist-led uprising to justify a clampdown on the left.
In the face of what the Nazis claimed was a Communist uprising, Hitler persuaded the President to declare a state of emergency.
Even with the help of the emergency laws the Nazis failed to win 50% of the popular vote.
Although he had support of the Nationalists, Hitler needed the support of two-thirds of the Reichstg to introduce the changes he had in mind.

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