Enabling Act (March 1933) Flashcards

What was the Enabling Act?

A law passed in March 1933 that let Hitler and his ministers make laws without the Reichstag or the President.

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When and where was the Enabling Act passed?

23 March 1933, at the Kroll Opera House in Berlin.

Why did the Enabling Act need a two-thirds majority to pass?

Because it changed the Weimar constitution.

How did the Nazis secure enough votes for the Enabling Act?

The Centre Party backed it, and SA and SS men pressured other members at the vote.

Which party voted against the Enabling Act, and how many of its members?

The Social Democrats (SPD). 94 SPD members voted no.

What powers did the Enabling Act give the government?

It let Hitler and his ministers pass laws without the Reichstag or President, even if those laws broke the constitution.

How long was the Enabling Act meant to last?

Four years at first. It was later renewed.

What role did President Hindenburg have once the Enabling Act passed?

He signed it into law, and after that his approval was no longer needed for new laws.

Which earlier measure helped the Enabling Act pass?

A February 1933 emergency decree suspended rights and removed Communist members, so they could not vote against it.

Why was the Enabling Act a turning point for Germany?

It ended democracy by removing checks on Hitler, letting him rule as a dictator.

What promise did Hitler make to win the Centre Party’s support?

He promised to protect the rights of the Catholic Church.

What was the official title of the Enabling Act?

The Law to Remedy the Distress of the People and the Reich.

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