Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes the critical pre-condition that facilitated Hitler's rise to power?
Which of the following best describes the critical pre-condition that facilitated Hitler's rise to power?
- The overwhelming military strength of Germany after World War I.
- The stable economic conditions that allowed for social programs benefiting all citizens.
- The collapse of the democratic Weimar Republic due to political fragmentation. (correct)
- The strong and unified support of all political parties for a nationalist agenda.
The Nazi Party achieved complete control of Germany through a violent coup, overthrowing the Weimar Republic.
The Nazi Party achieved complete control of Germany through a violent coup, overthrowing the Weimar Republic.
False (B)
What action did Chancellor Franz von Papen take that he believed would allow him to control Hitler, but ultimately backfired?
What action did Chancellor Franz von Papen take that he believed would allow him to control Hitler, but ultimately backfired?
Appointed Hitler as Chancellor
The act that allowed Hitler to rule by decree for four years, effectively suspending Parliament, was called the '______ Act'.
The act that allowed Hitler to rule by decree for four years, effectively suspending Parliament, was called the '______ Act'.
Match the following events/laws with their descriptions during the Nazi rise to power:
Match the following events/laws with their descriptions during the Nazi rise to power:
What was the immediate effect of the 'Law on the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service'?
What was the immediate effect of the 'Law on the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service'?
Kristallnacht, or the 'Night of Broken Glass,' was widely supported by the German population due to its alignment with existing laws and societal norms.
Kristallnacht, or the 'Night of Broken Glass,' was widely supported by the German population due to its alignment with existing laws and societal norms.
What was the primary message conveyed to Jewish people in Germany through the events of Kristallnacht?
What was the primary message conveyed to Jewish people in Germany through the events of Kristallnacht?
What was the main goal of the Nuremberg Laws implemented in Nazi Germany?
What was the main goal of the Nuremberg Laws implemented in Nazi Germany?
President Hindenburg used '______' to rule for three years when political parties could not form a government.
President Hindenburg used '______' to rule for three years when political parties could not form a government.
Flashcards
Weimar Crisis (1930-33)
Weimar Crisis (1930-33)
During 1930-33, President Hindenburg had 'emergency powers'. If Parliament couldn't form a government, he could appoint his own and hold elections in 60 days. This presidential rule lasted 3 years.
Chancellor Franz von Poppen
Chancellor Franz von Poppen
Appointed as Chancellor, he proposed a coalition Government of the Nazi Party (33%) and the Nationalist Party (9%). He believed he could control Hitler by giving him the role of Chancellor.
Hitler's Seizure of Power
Hitler's Seizure of Power
After convincing President Hindenburg, the Reichstag (parliament) was dissolved. A month later, the Reichstag was burned down. In March 1933, the Nazi party gained 50% of the vote and Hitler changed the constitution to suspend Parliament and pass the “Enabling Act”.
"Enabling Act"
"Enabling Act"
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Nazi Consolidation of Power
Nazi Consolidation of Power
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Law on the Restoration of the Professional Service
Law on the Restoration of the Professional Service
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Nuremberg Decrees
Nuremberg Decrees
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Kristallnacht – “Night of Broken Glass”
Kristallnacht – “Night of Broken Glass”
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Study Notes
- The Nazi takeover was achieved legally, without a revolution or coup, implying the population made a choice and can be morally judged for their actions or inaction regarding the subsequent genocide.
The Nazi Rise to Power
- The collapse of the democratic Wiemar Republic was a precondition for Hitler's eventual takeover.
- During the Wiemar Crisis (1930-1933), President Hindenburg possessed 'emergency powers'.
- Hindenburg could appoint his own government and call elections within 60 days if Parliament failed to form a government.
- Presidential rule lasted for 3 years due to divided political parties unable to agree on a coalition government.
- This led to nostalgia for a powerful authority to overcome crises as the party system was viewed as fragmenting, weakening Germany.
- Chancellor Franz von Poppen aimed to form a coalition government with the Nazi Party (33%) and the Nationalist Party (9%).
- Von Poppen believed he could control Hitler by giving him the role of Chancellor.
- Before the election, the Nazi and Nationalist parties harassed and intimidated other parties, aiming for a majority win.
- President Hindenburg was convinced to dissolve the Reichstag (parliament).
From Democracy to Nazism
- One month later Hitler burned down the Reichstag.
- In March 1933, the Nazi party gained 50% of the vote and Hitler changed the constitution to suspend Parliament.
Enabling Act
- The "Enabling Act" was passed allowing Hitler to rule by decree for 4 years.
- Within 6 months, all other political parties were made illegal and concentration camps began to be built.
- This legal revolution saw people choosing a movement that embraced hatred.
The Nazi Targeting of German Jews
- It is unclear whether Hitler planned the genocide of Jewish people from 1933 onward; however, the state began the Apartheid of Jewish people to separate them from German life and power.
Jewish Apartheid:
- The "Law on the Restoration of the Professional Service" purged Jewish people from government roles.
- This essentially restored pre-World War I life for Jewish Germans, but Jews were excluded from positions of authority and cultural and artistic life.
Nuremberg Decrees
- Part A: "Law for Protection of German Blood" outlawed marriage and forbade sexual relations between Jewish Germans and Germans.
- Part B: "Reich Citizenship Laws" declared that Jewish Germans were no longer considered citizens.
- These laws garnered popular support in Germany, with many believing that permanent separation would end violence.
Kristallnacht – “Night of Broken Glass”
- Jewish businesses were demolished, 267 synagogues were burned and 91 Jewish people were killed.
- This event was unpopular among Germans, who preferred law and order.
- The regime began pushing Jews out in a bureaucratic way, sending the clear message to leave or face violent consequences.
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