Tuesday 17th January 2006Unit 3: Hitler’s consolidation of

power.

Objective:1. To analyse Hitler's

problems when he came to power.

2. How the Reichstag fire helped the Nazis overcome some of their problems.

Starter

Write down 3 problems you think the Nazis faced.

Write down how you think Hitler would solve his problems.

What problems did Hitler face?

Task 1

• Write an agony aunt letter by Hitler moaning about his 3 major problems

• Include Hindenburg

• Problems within the Party (SA)

• The Reichstag – removing opposition

Write a a reply letter showing how you think he could solve his problems

How Hitler overcame these problems

When Hitler came to power, his authority was limited by parliament and President Hindenburg. The SA were also getting very powerful. Hitler was determined to eliminate these obstacles.

Over the next few slides you will see how he overcame each problem, and established complete political control over Germany.

Pre-election campaign• After becoming

Chancellor Hitler insisted on new elections for 5 March.

• Determined to win an ABSOLUTE majority

• 4 February he got President Hindenburg to pass a decree (law) supposedly to ensure free and peaceful elections.

• All election meetings had to be notified to police at least 48 hours in advance

• Reality:• Allowed Nazi-controlled

police to come and break up the meetings

• Gave police authority to prohibit any meeting where a danger to public security was feared.

• Goering told his police force that Sa or nationalist meeting were not to be disturbed but those of Communists must be dealt with severely.

Goering promised his police force:

“I shall cover for police officers who use firearms in the discharge of their duties, regardless of the consequences of the use of firearms”

Consolidation of Parliament: The Reichstag Fire

How did the Reichstag Fire help Hitler?

Hitler used the Reichstag fire to convince everyone that there was a real threat of a communist revolution. Hitler used the confusion and unease that people felt to consolidate his position.

1. Emergency powers: Hitler persuaded Hindenburg to pass the ‘Law for the Protection of People and State’. This ended freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of the press.

2. Election success: Hitler called fresh elections. He used his new powers to make life difficult for non-Nazi candidates. Hitler increased his share of the vote and thereby gave his party more power in parliament.

The March 1933 Reichstag elections

Although the Nazis didn’t have a majority, the Nationalist Party joined forces with them. Their 53 seats added to the Nazis’ meant Hitler now controlled over half of the total seats – the Reichstag would do as Hitler wanted.

Party Number of seats

The Nazi Party 288

Social Democrats 120

The Communist Party 81

The Centre Party 73

Others 85

Task 3: Who won the 1933 election?

Did this mean that the Nazis now had complete power?

January 1933

The depression after the Wall Street Crash made many more people vote for the Nazis. In 1933 Von Papen convinced Hindenburg that Hitler should become Chancellor.

February 1933

February 1933

The Reichstag building burnt down.

A communist was found inside the building. He admitted responsibility.

Chancellor Hitler was able to convince people that the Communists were trying to take power by terrorism.

He was able to have the Communists banned from the Reichstag.

Task 2: How did Hitler take advantage of the Reichstag fire?

• Use information from the presentation and page 63 of the white textbook to answer this question

• Give at least 4 points• Include – emergency decree - Powers of the police - Freedoms/liberties - Communist party