Enabling Act, March 1933

What was the Enabling Act?

The Enabling Act was a law that enabled Hitler and the Nazis to pass laws without consulting the Reichstag for a period of four years.

When was the Enabling Act passed to get Hitler into power?

The Enabling Act was passed on 23rd March, 1933.

How did the Enabling Act help get Hitler into power?

There were 2 tactics used by the Nazis to pass the Enabling Act:

• ❖ The Nazi government was able to pass the act by gaining the support of the Centre Party (ZP) and the German National People's Party (DNVP) so that they had the two-thirds majority needed in the Reichstag to change the constitution.
• ❖ They also used violence and intimidation to ensure members of the Reichstag supported them.

What were the results of the Enabling Act for Hitler's power?

Hitler used the power of the Enabling Act to create his dictatorship by removing any opposition from other political parties, trade unions, local government and the army.

Why was the Enabling Act important for Hitler's power?

The Enabling Act was important because it, in effect, ended democracy in Germany. Hitler used his new powers to remove all possible opposition.