The Reichstag Fire and Hitler's Consolidation of Power
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Molly Hutton
14/08/2022
History
Nazis consolidation of power
141
•
14 Aug 2022
•
What is the Reichstag Fire? - BBC Bitesize for Kids
Molly Hutton
@mollyhutton
Hitler's Path to Power
In January 1933, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, but the Nazi party still lacked a majority in the Reichstag. This posed a challenge for Hitler in making decisions and passing laws. To overcome this, Hitler called for another election in March 1933, aiming to win over left-leaning voters and Communists.
Highlight: Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in January 1933 was just the beginning of his quest for total control.
Hitler gained full control of Germany from 1933-1934 through several key events:
- Reichstag Fire
- Enabling Act
- Control of Churches
- Night of Long Knives
- Death of Hindenburg
- Nazi Propaganda
These events allowed Hitler to systematically eliminate opposition and consolidate Nazi power.
The Reichstag Fire - February 1933
On February 27, 1933, just one week before the scheduled Reichstag elections, the German parliament building (Reichstag) was burned to the ground. This event would prove crucial in Hitler's consolidation of power.
Example: A Dutch Communist named Marinus van der Lubbe was found at the scene with matches and firelighters. He was arrested, put on trial, and later beheaded for the crime.
The Nazis took advantage of this situation to blame the Communists for the fire, claiming they were attempting to start a violent revolution. Hitler positioned himself as Germany's savior, which increased support for the Nazi party.
Highlight: The Reichstag Fire allowed Hitler to portray the Nazis as protectors of Germany against the Communist threat.
Impact of the Reichstag Fire
The Reichstag Fire had significant consequences that helped the Nazis consolidate power:
- President Hindenburg used Article 48 to introduce the Reichstag Fire Decree, which allowed Hitler to arrest political opponents and censor critical newspapers.
- The Nazis expelled Communists from Parliament and imprisoned 4,000 Communists and many opposition party leaders.
- Censorship of newspapers and surveillance of communications hindered opposition to the Nazis.
- Nazi propaganda spread fear about the "dangers" of Communism, increasing support for the Nazi party.
Highlight: In the March 5, 1933 election, Nazi party support increased from 33% to 44%, though they still lacked a majority.
These actions significantly weakened opposition to the Nazi party, paving the way for further consolidation of power.
The Enabling Act - March 1933
Despite gaining more support in the March 1933 election, the Nazis still lacked a majority in the Reichstag. To overcome this, Hitler persuaded other parties to support the Enabling Act on March 24, 1933.
Definition: The Enabling Act gave Hitler the ability to pass laws without agreement from the Reichstag, effectively making him a dictator.
With the power granted by the Enabling Act, Hitler took several actions to further consolidate Nazi control:
- In July 1933, he banned opposing parties and imprisoned their leaders in concentration camps.
- In May 1933, Hitler banned Trade Unions.
- Nazis were put in charge of all state governments.
- The party used fear and intimidation to suppress challenges to Nazi rule.
These actions effectively eliminated all legal opposition to Nazi rule, transforming Germany into a one-party state.
The Night of Long Knives
As Hitler increased his control over Germany, he became concerned about potential opposition within the Nazi Party itself. He particularly feared a takeover from Ernst Röhm, the leader of the SA (Sturmabteilung or "Brownshirts").
Vocabulary: SA (Sturmabteilung) - The Nazi Party's original paramilitary wing, also known as "Brownshirts"
To address this threat, Hitler initiated Operation Hummingbird, better known as the Night of Long Knives, which took place from June 30 to July 2, 1934.
Definition: The Night of Long Knives was a purge of Nazi Party members and other political opponents deemed threats to Hitler's power.
Key aspects of the Night of Long Knives:
- The SS arrested and executed Nazi opponents of Hitler.
- Approximately 100 people were killed, including Ernst Röhm and former Chancellor Kurt von Schleicher.
- German newspapers were initially banned from reporting on the event.
- Hitler later claimed the executed men had been plotting with France and used the Enabling Act to make the killings legal.
This event solidified Hitler's control over the Nazi Party and eliminated potential rivals within its ranks.
Control of Churches
After banning trade unions and political parties, the churches remained the only mass organizations that could potentially oppose the Nazis. Hitler was concerned that taking direct legal action against the churches might provoke Germans to stand up against Nazi rule.
To address this potential threat without causing widespread resistance, Hitler took a more diplomatic approach:
Highlight: In July 1933, Hitler signed a Concordat with the Catholic Church.
The Concordat was an agreement that guaranteed:
- The Nazis would not interfere with Church organizations such as schools and youth groups.
- In return, the Catholic Church would refrain from political activities in Germany.
This agreement effectively neutralized potential opposition from the Catholic Church, further consolidating Nazi control over German society.
Revision of Hitler and Nazi Germany - Consolidating Power
This lesson focuses on how Hitler and the Nazis consolidated their power from 1933-1934. Students will learn about key events such as the Reichstag Fire, the Enabling Act, and the Night of the Long Knives.
Vocabulary:
- Consolidated: Making something solid or stronger
- Reichstag: German parliament
The learning objectives include describing the events and impact of the Reichstag Fire, understanding the points of the Enabling Act, and describing the events of the Night of the Long Knives.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
What is the Reichstag Fire? - BBC Bitesize for Kids
Molly Hutton
@mollyhutton
The Reichstag Fire and Hitler's Consolidation of Power
The Reichstag fire was a pivotal event in Nazi Germany that helped Hitler consolidate power. This summary covers key aspects of Hitler's rise to power from 1933-1934, including the Reichstag Fire,... Show more
Hitler's Path to Power
In January 1933, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, but the Nazi party still lacked a majority in the Reichstag. This posed a challenge for Hitler in making decisions and passing laws. To overcome this, Hitler called for another election in March 1933, aiming to win over left-leaning voters and Communists.
Highlight: Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in January 1933 was just the beginning of his quest for total control.
Hitler gained full control of Germany from 1933-1934 through several key events:
- Reichstag Fire
- Enabling Act
- Control of Churches
- Night of Long Knives
- Death of Hindenburg
- Nazi Propaganda
These events allowed Hitler to systematically eliminate opposition and consolidate Nazi power.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Reichstag Fire - February 1933
On February 27, 1933, just one week before the scheduled Reichstag elections, the German parliament building (Reichstag) was burned to the ground. This event would prove crucial in Hitler's consolidation of power.
Example: A Dutch Communist named Marinus van der Lubbe was found at the scene with matches and firelighters. He was arrested, put on trial, and later beheaded for the crime.
The Nazis took advantage of this situation to blame the Communists for the fire, claiming they were attempting to start a violent revolution. Hitler positioned himself as Germany's savior, which increased support for the Nazi party.
Highlight: The Reichstag Fire allowed Hitler to portray the Nazis as protectors of Germany against the Communist threat.
Impact of the Reichstag Fire
The Reichstag Fire had significant consequences that helped the Nazis consolidate power:
- President Hindenburg used Article 48 to introduce the Reichstag Fire Decree, which allowed Hitler to arrest political opponents and censor critical newspapers.
- The Nazis expelled Communists from Parliament and imprisoned 4,000 Communists and many opposition party leaders.
- Censorship of newspapers and surveillance of communications hindered opposition to the Nazis.
- Nazi propaganda spread fear about the "dangers" of Communism, increasing support for the Nazi party.
Highlight: In the March 5, 1933 election, Nazi party support increased from 33% to 44%, though they still lacked a majority.
These actions significantly weakened opposition to the Nazi party, paving the way for further consolidation of power.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Enabling Act - March 1933
Despite gaining more support in the March 1933 election, the Nazis still lacked a majority in the Reichstag. To overcome this, Hitler persuaded other parties to support the Enabling Act on March 24, 1933.
Definition: The Enabling Act gave Hitler the ability to pass laws without agreement from the Reichstag, effectively making him a dictator.
With the power granted by the Enabling Act, Hitler took several actions to further consolidate Nazi control:
- In July 1933, he banned opposing parties and imprisoned their leaders in concentration camps.
- In May 1933, Hitler banned Trade Unions.
- Nazis were put in charge of all state governments.
- The party used fear and intimidation to suppress challenges to Nazi rule.
These actions effectively eliminated all legal opposition to Nazi rule, transforming Germany into a one-party state.
The Night of Long Knives
As Hitler increased his control over Germany, he became concerned about potential opposition within the Nazi Party itself. He particularly feared a takeover from Ernst Röhm, the leader of the SA (Sturmabteilung or "Brownshirts").
Vocabulary: SA (Sturmabteilung) - The Nazi Party's original paramilitary wing, also known as "Brownshirts"
To address this threat, Hitler initiated Operation Hummingbird, better known as the Night of Long Knives, which took place from June 30 to July 2, 1934.
Definition: The Night of Long Knives was a purge of Nazi Party members and other political opponents deemed threats to Hitler's power.
Key aspects of the Night of Long Knives:
- The SS arrested and executed Nazi opponents of Hitler.
- Approximately 100 people were killed, including Ernst Röhm and former Chancellor Kurt von Schleicher.
- German newspapers were initially banned from reporting on the event.
- Hitler later claimed the executed men had been plotting with France and used the Enabling Act to make the killings legal.
This event solidified Hitler's control over the Nazi Party and eliminated potential rivals within its ranks.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Control of Churches
After banning trade unions and political parties, the churches remained the only mass organizations that could potentially oppose the Nazis. Hitler was concerned that taking direct legal action against the churches might provoke Germans to stand up against Nazi rule.
To address this potential threat without causing widespread resistance, Hitler took a more diplomatic approach:
Highlight: In July 1933, Hitler signed a Concordat with the Catholic Church.
The Concordat was an agreement that guaranteed:
- The Nazis would not interfere with Church organizations such as schools and youth groups.
- In return, the Catholic Church would refrain from political activities in Germany.
This agreement effectively neutralized potential opposition from the Catholic Church, further consolidating Nazi control over German society.
Revision of Hitler and Nazi Germany - Consolidating Power
This lesson focuses on how Hitler and the Nazis consolidated their power from 1933-1934. Students will learn about key events such as the Reichstag Fire, the Enabling Act, and the Night of the Long Knives.
Vocabulary:
- Consolidated: Making something solid or stronger
- Reichstag: German parliament
The learning objectives include describing the events and impact of the Reichstag Fire, understanding the points of the Enabling Act, and describing the events of the Night of the Long Knives.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user