Obstacles to Hitler’s Power

Obstacle Explanation of threat Date removed Explanation of how it was removed

The Communist Growing in power/popularity

Party because of the Great
Depression. Closest rival
extremist party.

Not having a
majority in the
Reichstag

All other
opposition
parties

Trade Unions

Local government

The Reichstag

Internal rivals

President
Hindenburg
CWK 26/01/2023

Who burned down the Reichstag?

Success Criteria:
 I can explain the controversy surrounding the Reichstag Fire.
 I can explain how the Nazis capitalised on the fire to consolidate their own power.

Get Thinking:

Explain why the burning

of the Reichstag would
not eliminate the
Reichstag as a threat to
Hitler.

Enquiry: How did Hitler consolidate his power?

1. Explain what happened on the Night of the Reichstag Fire
2. Find information to support the following claims:

Van der Lubbe started the fire

The Nazis started the fire

Information that shows Van der The Nazis started the fire
Lubbe started the fire
The immediate consequences

What was Decree for

the Protection and
People and State
(Emergency Powers)
and why was it so
important?
 What is
this
suggesting
about the
cause of
the
Reichstag
Fire?
1.What was Decree for the Protection
and People and State (Emergency
Powers) and why was it so
important?
2.What did Hitler do before the
election to strengthen his position?
3.What were the results of the March
1933 election?
4.Why was this so important for the
Nazi Party?
Extra Historical Thinking:
Why was it so important for Hitler to remove the
Communist Party?
 Obstacles to Hitler’s Power
Obstacle Explanation of threat Date removed Explanation of how it was removed

The Communist Had a lot of support from working February/ March 1933 Blamed for the Reichstag Fire >> Decree of Protection for
Party class. Had opposing views to Nazis. the People and the State imprisoned and banned them.
Growing in influence.

Not having a No majority means no ability to pass March 1933 Held elections in March – Won 288 seats. banned
majority in the any laws/policies. communists from their 81 seats. Gained support from
Nationalists >> 2/3 majority.
Reichstag

All other They could block Nazi proposals. June 1933 Enabling Act allowed Hitler to implement any
opposition law for four years. Passed in March 1933.
parties

Trade Unions Could undermine the economy May 1933 As above

and big business.

Local government Could be rebellious January 1934 As above

The Reichstag They could block Nazi proposals. March 1933 As above

Internal rivals Rohm and the SA – SA were very 30 June 1934 Night of the Long Knives
loyal to Rohm.

President Could remove Hitler as August 1934 He died – Hitler merged President and
Hindenburg Chancellor Chancellor in to the Fuhrer (Supreme Leader)