The Enabling Act
❓ Q1: What was the Enabling Act?
A1: A law passed on 23 March 1933 that gave Hitler the power to make laws without the Reichstag or President for four years.
❓ Q2: Why did Hitler want the Enabling Act?
A2: He wanted to pass laws without opposition and establish a legal dictatorship, giving him complete control of the government.
❓ Q3: How was Hitler able to pass the Enabling Act?
A3:
❓ Q4: What did the Enabling Act allow Hitler to do?
A4:
❓ Q5: What were the immediate consequences of the Enabling Act?
A5:
❓ Q6: Why is the Enabling Act important in Hitler’s consolidation of power?
A6:
A1: A law passed on 23 March 1933 that gave Hitler the power to make laws without the Reichstag or President for four years.
❓ Q2: Why did Hitler want the Enabling Act?
A2: He wanted to pass laws without opposition and establish a legal dictatorship, giving him complete control of the government.
❓ Q3: How was Hitler able to pass the Enabling Act?
A3:
- Used the Reichstag Fire Decree to ban Communist deputies.
- Gained support from the Centre Party and others with promises.
- SA intimidated remaining MPs.
- Needed and got 2/3 majority.
❓ Q4: What did the Enabling Act allow Hitler to do?
A4:
- Make laws without Reichstag approval.
- Bypass the Weimar Constitution.
- Rule by decree (direct orders).
- Begin the process of Nazifying Germany (Gleichschaltung).
❓ Q5: What were the immediate consequences of the Enabling Act?
A5:
- Banned all other political parties.
- Trade unions were shut down.
- Press, courts, and education came under Nazi control.
- Hitler became dictator by law.
❓ Q6: Why is the Enabling Act important in Hitler’s consolidation of power?
A6:
- It marked the end of democracy in Germany.
- Gave Hitler legal power to destroy opposition.
- Laid the foundation for a one-party Nazi dictatorship.
