The dead parliament What is the message of this source?

How strong was Hitler’s position in 1933? Study the photo and the facts about Hitler & the Nazis in 1933. How powerful was Hitler? What would he need to do in order to survive?

How strong was Hitler’s position in 1933? Nazis largest single party, but didn’t have overall majority in Reichstag Hindenburg & Von Papen appointed Hitler as a ‘puppet’ chancellor Only 2 Nazis in Cabinet Study the photo and the facts about Hitler & the Nazis in 1933. How powerful was Hitler? What would he need to do in order to survive?

How did Hitler consolidate his power? The Reichstag fire, 27 February 1933

How did Hitler exploit the Reichstag fire? Dutch Communist, van der Lubbe Police imprisoned 4,000 Communist activists 28 Feb, Hindenburg suspended freedom of speech & gave police emergency powers March 1933 NSDAP gained 288 seats; won support of Nationalists & Catholic Centre party; abolished Communists Why might some historians suggest van der Lubbe was framed?

THE REICHSTAG FIRE, 27 FEBRUARY 1933

WHO WAS TO BLAME FOR THE REICHSTAG FIRE? YOU HAVE THREE INTERPRETATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM: THE NAZIS SET FIRE TO THE REICHSTAG THEMSELVES AND BLAMED THE COMMUNISTS THE COMMUNIST PARTY STARTED THE FIRE A LONE MAN (VAN DE LUBBE) STARTED THE FIRE HIMSELF.

THE NAZIS SET FIRE TO THE REICHSTAG THEMSELVES AND BLAMED THE COMMUNISTS/ THE COMMUNIST PARTY STARTED THE FIRE A LONE MAN (VAN DE LUBBE) STARTED THE FIRE HIMSELF.

THEORY ONE: SOME PEOPLE SAY THE NAZIS STARTED THE FIRE THEMSELVES – THEY HAD A LOT TO GAIN FROM IT.

WHY WOULD THE NAZIS WANT TO START THE FIRE? THE NAZIS WOULD PROMISE TO DEAL WITH THE COMMUNISTS – PEOPLE WOULD VOTE FOR THEM. WHEN THEY FRAMED VAN DER LUBBE AND EXECUTED HIM THEY WOULD LOOK LIKE THEY HAD ACTED – PEOPLE WOULD LIKE THIS THE NAZIS WANTED TO PASS TOUGH LAWS AGAINST THEIR OPPONENTS (ESPECIALLY THE COMMUNISTS). THE FIRE WAS THE PERFECT EXCUSE FOR THIS.

THEORY TWO: SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT THE COMMUNISTS SET FIRE TO THE BUILDING AS AN ATTACK ON GERMAN DEMOCRACY.

WHY WOULD THE COMMUNISTS WANT TO START THE FIRE? THE COMMUNISTS BELIEVED THE NAZIS MUST BE DEFEATED. ELECTIONS WEREN’T WORKING. A BIG EVENT WAS NEEDED TO SPUR THEIR SUPPORTERS TO ACT. THE COMMUNISTS FELT THEY HAD TO DO SOMETHING TO MAKE SURE THEIR SUPPORTERS SAW THEY WERE ACTING AND WOULD STILL VOTE FOR THEM.

THEORY THREE: SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT A YOUNG MAN (VAN DER LUBBE) SET FIRE TO THE BUILDING. HE WAS ACTING ALONE

WHY WOULD VAN DER LUBBE ACT ALONE? HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY AND WOULD ACT BECAUSE HE FELT HE SHOULD. HE WAS MENTALLY ILL. HE SUFFERED FROM LEARNING DISABILITIES AND HAD A FASCINATION WITH FIRE.

ON 27 FEBRUARY 1933, JUST FOUR WEEKS AFTER HITLER CAME TO POWER THE GERMAN PARLIAMENT BUILDING BURNS.

THE BUILDING WAS TOTALLY DEVASTATED BY THE FIRE

THE FIRE AND SMOKE WERE VISIBLE FOR MILES AROUND. EVERYONE WAS WORRIED. PEOPLE WERE SCARED THAT FORCES WITHIN GERMANY WERE TRYING TO ATTACK IT.

THIS IS THE MAN ACCUSED OF STARTING THE FIRE THIS IS THE MAN ACCUSED OF STARTING THE FIRE. HE WAS HANGED FOR THIS CRIME. DOES HIS PICTURE SUPPORT ONE INTERPRETATION OVER ANOTHER? OTHERS SAY THE NAZI STORMTROOPERS (SA) STARTED THE FIRE.

THE FIRE TOOK PLACE JUST DAYS BEFORE THE NEXT ELECTION AT THE PREVIOUS ELECTION THE NAZIS HAD LOST VOTES (FALLING FROM 230 SEATS TO 196). AFTER THE FIRE THEY WON 288 SEATS

NAZI NEWSPAPER HEADLINE: ‘NOW WE WILL TAKE RIGOROUS STEPS’ – THIS COULD ONLY MEAN ACTION AGAINST THE NAZIS OPPONENTS.

A JOKE FROM THE 1930s MAKES IT CLEAR WHO SOME GERMAN BLAMED: IT IS LATE FEBRUARY 1933. ONE STORMTROOPER TURNS TO ANOTHER AND SAYS, “DID YOU HEAR? THE REICHSTAG IS ON FIRE!” THE OTHER STORMTROOPER FIERCELY SAYS, “SHHHSH THAT’S NOT ‘TILL TOMORROW”!

H/W task Go to the historyblog and complete the reichstag fire source work activity.

Source description Which theory? Why? Reliability of the account (out of 5) Why? Account written in 1950 by Rudolf Diels, head of Prussian Police Force I reported on the results of the first interrogation of van der Lubbe – that in my opinion he was a maniac. Hitler ridiculed my childish view Historians’ account based on testimony of an SA leader, who was later killed by Hitler. An underground passage, built to carry the central heating system, ran from Göring’s palace to the Reichstag building. Through this tunnel, Karl Ernst led a detachment of Stormtroopers Goering’s testimony at van der Lubbe’s trial In this moment I knew that the Communist Party was the culprit; I only wish that the rest of the world had seen this as clearly General Halder, Commander in Chief of German Army, Nuremberg War Trials, 1945 ‘The only one who really knows about the Reichstag is I, because I set it on fire! British journalist who witnessed the fire That evening Hitler himself was not absolutely certain that the fire was a Communist plot. As we walked side by side through the burning building he said, ‘God grant that this be the work of Communists

Folens Pg 34 – 37 Complete task A. Can you identify a turning point between 1933-34 were it is obvious Hitler is in complete control?

In early 1934 Hitler was faced with a choice between the SA or the army.

The situation in 1934 … (before Hindenburg died)

Has Hitler got rid of the trade unions? Yes No Not sure?

Has Hitler got rid of opposition parties? Yes No Not sure

Has Hitler got the support of the army? Yes No Not sure

Has Hitler got full support from within his own party? Yes No Not sure

Which side should Hitler chose? Heading for a showdown The SA wanted to take over the army The army hated the SA Which side should Hitler chose?

Why should Hitler chose the Sturmabteilung (S.A) ? Why should Hitler chose the army?

Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) ?

The S.A. had been in existence since the early days of The Nazi Party Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) Reason

Reason Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. had fought for Hitler during the Munich Putsch in 1923 The S.A. had been in existence since the early days of The Nazi Party Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) Reason

Reason Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. had fought for Hitler during the Munich Putsch in 1923 The S.A. had been in existence since the early days of The Nazi Party Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) Members of the S.A. were loyal Nazis Reason

Reason Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. had fought for Hitler during the Munich Putsch in 1923 The S.A. had been in existence since the early days of The Nazi Party Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. was led by one of Hitler’s earliest supporters – Ernst Rohm Members of the S.A. were loyal Nazis Reason

Reason Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. had fought for Hitler during the Munich Putsch in 1923 The S.A. had been in existence since the early days of The Nazi Party Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. was led by one of Hitler’s earliest supporters – Ernst Rohm Members of the S.A. were loyal Nazis Ernst Rohm was personally loyal to Hitler Reason

Reason Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. had fought for Hitler during the Munich Putsch in 1923 The S.A. had been in existence since the early days of The Nazi Party Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. was led by one of Hitler’s earliest supporters – Ernst Rohm Members of the S.A. were loyal Nazis Ernst Rohm was personally loyal to Hitler The S.A. had supported Hitler and the Nazis by putting up posters, handing out leaflets and intimidating political opponents throughout the 1920’s and early 1930’s. Reason

Reason Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. had fought for Hitler during the Munich Putsch in 1923 The S.A. had been in existence since the early days of The Nazi Party Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. was led by one of Hitler’s earliest supporters – Ernst Rohm Members of the S.A. were loyal Nazis Ernst Rohm was personally loyal to Hitler Ernst Rohm shared Hitler’s vision of a racially pure society The S.A. had supported Hitler and the Nazis by putting up posters, handing out leaflets and intimidating political opponents throughout the 1920’s and early 1930’s. Reason

Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. had fought for Hitler during the Munich Putsch in 1923 The S.A. had been in existence since the early days of The Nazi Party. Why should Hitler support the Sturmabteilung (S.A) The S.A. was led by one of Hitler’s earliest supporters – Ernst Rohm Members of the S.A. were loyal Nazis Ernst Rohm was personally loyal to Hitler Ernst Rohm shared Hitler’s vision of a racially pure society The S.A. had supported Hitler and the Nazis by putting up posters, handing out leaflets and intimidating political opponents throughout the 1920’s and early 1930’s. The S.A. had c 2.5 million members by 1934.

Should Hitler side with the SA? Yes No Not sure

BUT……

Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) ? Reason

Why should Hitler purge the If the S.A. were not brought under control Hitler may lose the support of Hindenburg (the President) and powerful conservatives Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) Reason

Why should Hitler purge the If the S.A. were not brought under control Hitler may lose the support of Hindenburg (the President) and powerful conservatives The S.A. were becoming lawless by the early 1930’s and were causing some Germans to turn against the Nazis Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) Reason

As S.A. membership grew, they were becoming harder to control If the S.A. were not brought under control Hitler may lose the support of Hindenburg (the President) and powerful conservatives The S.A. were becoming lawless by the early 1930’s and were causing some Germans to turn against the Nazis Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) As S.A. membership grew, they were becoming harder to control Reason

As S.A. membership grew, they were becoming harder to control If the S.A. were not brought under control Hitler may lose the support of Hindenburg (the President) and powerful conservatives The S.A. were becoming lawless by the early 1930’s and were causing some Germans to turn against the Nazis Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) As S.A. membership grew, they were becoming harder to control S.A. leaders were demanding rewards for their loyal service. They were angry that new Party Members were receiving more recognition than they were Reason

As S.A. membership grew, they were becoming harder to control If the S.A. were not brought under control Hitler may lose the support of Hindenburg (the President) and powerful conservatives The S.A. were becoming lawless by the early 1930’s and were causing some Germans to turn against the Nazis Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) As S.A. membership grew, they were becoming harder to control S.A. leaders were demanding rewards for their loyal service. They were angry that new Party Members were receiving more recognition than they were The S.A. were good at breaking up opponents political meetings, but they were not a professional army. Reason

Reason Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) If the S.A. were not brought under control Hitler may lose the support of Hindenburg (the President) and powerful conservatives Ernst Rohm wanted to merge the regular German Army with the S.A The S.A. were becoming lawless by the early 1930’s and were causing some Germans to turn against the Nazis Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) As S.A. membership grew, they were becoming harder to control S.A. leaders were demanding rewards for their loyal service. They were angry that new Party Members were receiving more recognition than they were The S.A. were good at breaking up opponents political meetings, but they were not a professional army. Reason

Reason Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A)? If the S.A. were not brought under control Hitler may lose the support of Hindenburg (the President) and powerful conservatives Ernst Rohm wanted to merge the regular German Army with the S.A The S.A. were becoming lawless by the early 1930’s and were causing some Germans to turn against the Nazis Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A)? As S.A. membership grew, they were becoming harder to control Many Generals and leading Nazis distrusted and feared Ernst Rohm S.A. leaders were demanding rewards for their loyal service. They were angry that new Party Members were receiving more recognition than they were The S.A. were good at breaking up opponents political meetings, but they were not a professional army. Reason

Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) If the S.A. were not brought under control Hitler may lose the support of Hindenburg (the President) and powerful conservatives Ernst Rohm wanted to merge the regular German Army with the S.A The S.A. were becoming lawless by the early 1930’s and were causing some Germans to turn against the Nazis Why should Hitler purge the Sturmabteilung (S.A) Ernst Rohm was a potential rival to Hitler Many Generals and leading Nazis distrusted and feared Ernst Rohm As S.A. membership grew, they were becoming harder to control Hitler did not agree with some of the SA views e.g. anti – business. S.A. leaders were demanding rewards for their loyal service. They were angry that new Party Members were receiving more recognition than they were The S.A. were good at breaking up opponents political meetings, but they were not a professional army.

Should Hitler side with the SA? Yes No Not sure

Should Hitler purge the SA? Yes No Not sure

Why should Hitler side with the army? Reason

The Army was the only organisation with the power to remove Hitler. Why should Hitler side with the army? Reason

Reason Why should Hitler side with the army? The Army was the only organisation with the power to remove Hitler. The German Army was well organised and trained. Why should Hitler side with the army? Reason

Reason Why should Hitler side with the army? The Army was the only organisation with the power to remove Hitler. The German Army was well organised and trained. Why should Hitler side with the army? The German Army possessed the weapons necessary to wage large scale war and to undo the Treaty of Versailles. Reason

Reason Why should Hitler side with the army? The Army was the only organisation with the power to remove Hitler. The German Army was well organised and trained. Why should Hitler side with the army? The army had the support of large businesses. If Hitler supported the German Army he would gain that support. The German Army possessed the weapons necessary to wage large scale war and to undo the Treaty of Versailles. Reason

BUT….

The German Army was small – 100,000 men. Why Hitler should not side with the army?

Why Hitler should not side with the army? The German Army was small – 100,000 men. Hitler did not know how loyal the army would be. Why Hitler should not side with the army?

Why Hitler should not side with the army? The German Army was small – 100,000 men. Hitler did not know how loyal the army would be. Why Hitler should not side with the army? Some Army Generals hated Hitler and the Nazis.

Should Hitler side with the army? Yes No Not sure

Daily Express, (3rd July, 1934) What did Hitler do? "Will the audience kindly keep their seats." Daily Express, (3rd July, 1934)

The Night of the Long Knives 30th June 1934 A hit-list of disloyal SA men was produced by Himmler, Heydrich and Goering. Viktor Lutze, An SA chief. Can you think why these men were keen to Rohm disposed off?

Hitler strikes! The SS and the police arrest dozens of SA leaders. Many are shot dead in their homes, others are taken to camps for execution. Rohm is jailed, and shot the next day. Hitler even takes the opportunity to have von Schleicher, the ex-chancellor, killed.

Hitler’s speech on 13th July "In this hour I was responsible for the fate of the German people, and thereby I become the supreme judge of the German people. I gave the order to shoot the ringleaders in this treason." Hitler had wanted Rohm to be let off, for old time’s sake. Himmler and Goering wanted none of it. Rohm was ordered to commit suicide. When he refused, two SS men shot him dead....

Results of the Night of the Long Knives Over 1,000 opponents were killed. In August, President Hindenburg died. Hitler gained the support of the army who swore an oath of loyalty to him. He was now in complete control.

David Low’s cartoon of 1934 From the London Evening Standard with permission

Who are shown in the centre of the cartoon? How have they been portrayed? Cartoon from the London Evening Standard with permission

Can you explain the cartoon caption: ‘They Salute with Both Hands Now’’? What is the joke? Cartoon from the London Evening Standard with permission

Describe the appearance of Hitler, Goebbels and Goering. What point is Low, the cartoonist, trying to make? Cartoon from the London Evening Standard with permission

What is written upon Hitler’s armband? (Click on Hitler to enlarge) What do you think is meant by this? Cartoon from the London Evening Standard with permission

What is written upon Hitler’s armband? What do you think is meant by this?

What do you think is meant by this? What has been discarded on the floor? (Click on the message to enlarge) What do you think is meant by this? Cartoon from the London Evening Standard with permission

What has been discarded on the floor? What do you think is meant by this?

What has happened to the people in the foreground? According to the cartoonist who seems most likely to be responsible for this action? Give evidence. Cartoon from the London Evening Standard with permission

Who are the people surrounding the scene? Why is their presence so significant? Cartoon from the London Evening Standard with permission

Overall, what is the meaning of the cartoon? How useful is the cartoon in helping us to understand the events that occurred during The Night of the Long Knives? Cartoon from the London Evening Standard with permission

So what have I learnt about the S.A.? (Some information has been added for you) The S.A. was led by one of Hitler’s earliest supporters – Ernst Rohm The S.A. had supported Hitler and the Nazis by putting up posters, handing out leaflets and intimidating political opponents throughout the 1920’s and early 1930’s.

(Some information has been added for you) So what have I learnt about the reasons for the Night of the Long Knives? (Some information has been added for you) The S.A. were becoming lawless by the early 1930’s and were causing some Germans to turn against the Nazis If the S.A. were not brought under control Hitler may lose the support of Hindenburg (the President) and powerful conservatives

At least 83, (but more likely over 200) people were killed So what have I learnt about the consequences of the Night of the Long Knives? (Some information has been added for you) Hitler’s popularity soared within the Party and amongst the German population At least 83, (but more likely over 200) people were killed Ernst Rohm, potential rival to Hitler and leader of the S.A. was shot dead

Der Fuhrer HITLER BECAME CHANCELLOR THE REICHSTAG FIRE THE ENABLING ACT Der Fuhrer OATH OF LOYALTY TO HITLER THE NIGHT OF THE LONG KNIVES DEATH OF PRESIDENT HINDENBURG

Explain why Hitler carried out the Night of the Long Knives (1934). (6) “The most important reason why Hitler was able to strengthen his control over Germany during 1933 and 1934 was the 'Night of the Long Knives'.” Do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10)

L1 You write simple statements without any explanation or historical support 1- 2 L2 You describe the night of the long knives and other factors 2-4 L3 You explain the night of the long knives and other factors. 4-7 L4 You can describe whether the night of the long knives was the most important reason or whether other factors were e.g. Reichstag fire. You must compare 8-9 L5 You explain fully whether the most important reason why Hitler strengthened his control was due to a night of the long knives or other factors. You must compare and make links. 9-10

Essay feedback

Swap with the person next to you. Have they detailed information about the night of the long knives e.g. date, cause, main events, consequences. Explained how the night of the long knives helped Hitler to strengthen his control. detailed information about other factors e.g. Reichstag Fire, Enabling Act. Explained how these other factors helped Hitler to strengthen his control A conclusion where they explain what the most important factor was. Explain how the factors are linked and equally important.

The Night of the Long Knives was an important reason why Hitler was able to strengthen his control over Germany. Hitler was aware that the leader of the SA, Rohm, had to power to remove him as leader of the Nazis. He was scared that the SA would attempt a coup d’etat. The German army was also scared that they would be taken over by the SA. Therefore Hitler ordered the Night of the Long Knives, 30th June 1934. This was when the SA leaders and other opponents of Hitler were arrested and shot. This helped Hitler strengthen his control because Rohm was eradicated as a threat as were 1,000 other opponents. In addition the army was grateful to Hitler and, when Hindenburg died in August 1934, they swore an oath of loyalty to him. This strengthened his power even further.

The Reichstag fire was another important reason why Hitler was able to strengthen his control over Germany. In January 1933 Hitler became Chancellor however the Nazi party had been less successful in that election than in the previous ones. Hitler was concerned that his party were losing popularity and that the Communists could be a threat. It was in February 1933 that Reichstag building was burnt down. The communist, Van der Lubbe, was found inside the building and he admitted responsibility. This helped Hitler strengthen his power as he was able to convince people that the Communists were trying to take power by terrorism. As a result Hitler was able to ban the Communists banned from the Reichstag. In addition Hitler started to arrest communist leaders and put them into concentration camps. This meant his power was strengthened as his main political opponents were being crushed. In addition the fire allowed Hitler to pass the enabling act…..