Describe one way in which Hitler removed opposition in the years 1933-34.
Level
Year Examined
2022
Topic
Nazi Germany
👑Complete Model Essay
Describe one way in which Hitler removed opposition in the years 1933-34.
Describe one way in which Hitler removed opposition in the years 1933-34.
Introduction: Following his appointment as Chancellor in 1933, Adolf Hitler moved swiftly to consolidate his power and transform Germany into a totalitarian state. Central to this goal was the systematic elimination of any and all opposition, both real and perceived. While Hitler employed a range of tactics to achieve this, the passing of the Enabling Act in March 1933 proved particularly significant in silencing dissent and paving the way for Nazi dictatorship.
Main Body:
Legal Measures: The Enabling Act (1933)
The Enabling Act, formally titled the "Law to Remedy the Distress of People and Reich," was passed by the Reichstag on March 23, 1933. This deceptively-named law effectively handed Hitler dictatorial powers by granting him and his cabinet the authority to enact laws, including those that contravened the Weimar Constitution, without the consent of the Reichstag. This effectively bypassed the democratic processes of parliamentary debate and approval, concentrating legislative power solely in the hands of the Nazi regime.
The implications of this were profound. The Enabling Act allowed Hitler to implement his agenda unhindered. He could now enact laws that suppressed civil liberties, removed political opponents, and consolidated Nazi control over all aspects of German life. For instance, the law facilitated the banning of other political parties, the establishment of the Gestapo, and the enactment of the Nuremberg Laws – all without any meaningful opposition or legal recourse.
While the Reichstag fire, orchestrated by the Nazis just weeks before, created an atmosphere of fear and instability that facilitated the passing of the Enabling Act, it's important to note that Hitler had already begun to suppress opposition through intimidation and violence by the SA. Nevertheless, the Enabling Act provided a veneer of legality to his actions, effectively legitimizing his dictatorial rule in the eyes of many and silencing those who might have otherwise spoken out against the Nazi regime.
Conclusion:
The Enabling Act, passed under a dubious context and with far-reaching consequences, stands as a pivotal moment in Hitler's consolidation of power. It provided the legal framework for the Nazi regime to dismantle the Weimar Republic and establish a totalitarian dictatorship. While terror and intimidation played their part in silencing opposition, the legal mechanisms enshrined in the Enabling Act were crucial in cementing Hitler's control, marking a dark turn towards tyranny in Germany's history.
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🍃 Free Essay Plan
Describe one way in which Hitler removed opposition in the years 1933-34.
Introduction: Briefly introduce the context of Hitler's rise to power and his aim to establish a totalitarian state. State that there were various methods employed to eliminate opposition, focusing on one specific method as the main point of discussion for the essay.
Main Body:
Chosen Method (Choose ONE from the list below):
Option 1: Legal Measures:
Enabling Act (1933): Explain how this law gave Hitler dictatorial powers, effectively bypassing the Reichstag and enabling him to pass laws without parliamentary approval.
Law Against the Formation/Founding of New Parties (1933): Emphasize how this law essentially outlawed all political parties except the Nazi Party, crushing any form of organized political opposition.
Use these points to argue: This consolidation of power through legal means was crucial in silencing political dissent and centralizing control in the hands of Hitler and the Nazi Party.
Option 2: Terror and Intimidation:
The Gestapo: Explain the role of the Gestapo as Hitler's secret police force, responsible for identifying and eliminating political opponents through arbitrary arrests, torture, and executions.
Concentration Camps: Introduce the early establishment of concentration camps, initially used to imprison political prisoners and instill fear in potential dissenters.
Use these points to argue: The climate of fear and repression created by the Gestapo and the threat of concentration camps played a significant role in suppressing opposition.
Option 3: Eliminating Internal Threats:
The Night of the Long Knives (1934): Detail the purge of the SA (Sturmabteilung), Hitler's paramilitary force, and the assassination of Ernst Röhm, eliminating a potential threat to Hitler's power from within the Nazi Party.
Use this point to argue: By removing potential rivals and consolidating his position within the party, Hitler ensured his absolute authority and prevented any internal challenges to his leadership.
Conclusion:
Reiterate how the chosen method effectively silenced opposition, allowing Hitler to consolidate his power and move towards establishing a totalitarian regime. Briefly mention other methods employed (without going into detail) to show a broader understanding of the context. Conclude by stating the significance of these actions in Hitler's rise to dictatorship and the subsequent consequences for Germany.
Important Notes:
Choose ONE main methodto focus on for your essay. Do not try to cover everything.
Provide specific examples and detailsto support your points. (e.g., names of key figures, dates of events, and specific laws)
Explain the impact of Hitler's actions. How did each action help him remove opposition? What was the result?
Write in a clear and concise style.Use formal language and avoid slang.
Proofread carefullyfor any grammar or spelling errors.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Hitler's Removal of Opposition
Hitler removed opposition by banning trade unions (1). He established the DAF to look after workers so that everything was under his control (+1). One example of Hitler removing opposition was his dismantling of the SA (1). Rohm and many SA members were killed during the Night of the Long Knives in 1934 (+1).
Political opponents were discredited (1). The Reichstag Fire was used to discredit and ban the communists (2) (note- Reichstag Fire can only be used in collaboration with the ban on Communists, no mark for Reichstag Fire alone). Emergency Powers gave him the right to target opponents.(1) The passing of the Enabling Act (1) allowed him to pass laws without consultation therefore there was no political opposition to anything he enacted (+1).
Emergency Decree allowed Hitler to ban other political parties (1)- the Law Against Formation/Founding of New Parties (+1). Use of Gestapo to create fear in opposition (1). Use of the SS to get rid of opponents (1). Banned political parties (1).