Sophie Neale - Reichstag Fire

Summary

In this historical tour of Berlin, Sophie explores the pivotal role of the Reichstag fire in the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. The fire, allegedly set by communist Marinus van der Lubbe, was used by Hitler to instill fear of a communist uprising, leading to the signing of an emergency decree by President Hindenburg. This decree allowed the Nazis to suppress political opposition, paving the way for Hitler's dictatorship and the eventual passing of the Enabling Act, granting him unchecked power. The tour also highlights the significance of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building in German history.

Takeaways

• 📚 Sophie is a historical guide and history teacher based in Berlin, originally from Wales, UK.
• 🏛 The Brandenburg Gate, designed in 1791, is a symbol of power and the most famous symbol of Berlin today.
• 🎉 The Nazis held a victory parade under the Brandenburg Gate on January 30, 1933, celebrating Hitler's rise to Chancellor.
• 🏢 The Reichstag building, designed in 1894, was the heart of German democracy during the Weimar Republic but became a key site in Hitler's rise to power.
• 🔥 The Reichstag fire on February 27, 1933, was a pivotal event that helped Hitler consolidate power, despite the fire's perpetrator, Marinus van der Lubbe, being a communist.
• 👥 Hitler needed a two-thirds majority in the parliament to turn German democracy into a dictatorship, which he did not initially have.
• 📜 President Paul von Hindenburg signed an emergency decree on February 28, 1933, allowing Hitler to arrest political opponents without trial, effectively silencing opposition.
• 🗳️ The Nazis did not win the election on March 5, 1933, but gained more votes, reaching 44%, still not achieving the necessary two-thirds majority.
• 🤝 Hitler used intimidation and the SA to pass the Enabling Act on March 23, 1933, granting him complete political control and the power to pass laws without Reichstag approval.
• 🚫 The Enabling Act allowed Hitler to abolish any remaining political parties, solidifying his dictatorship.
• 🏛️ In 1934, following Hindenburg's death, Hitler declared himself the sole Chancellor and Führer of Germany, marking the full establishment of his totalitarian regime.
• 🛑 The Reichstag fire's significance in Hitler's rise to power is underscored by the eventual pardoning of van der Lubbe in 2008, highlighting the event's role in shaping German history.

Q & A

Who is Sophie and what is her profession?

Sophie is a historical guide and history teacher who has been living in Berlin for the last ten years.

What is the significance of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin's history?

The Brandenburg Gate, designed in 1791, is the most famous symbol of Berlin today and was used as a symbol of power when the royal family entered the city. It was also the site of the Nazi victory parade in 1933 when Hitler became Chancellor.

What event is Sophie discussing as a key contributor to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party?

Sophie is discussing the Reichstag fire, which took place on the 27th of February 1933 and was used by Hitler to gain political control in Germany.

Why was the Reichstag building significant in German history?

The Reichstag building, designed in 1894, became the heart of German democracy during the Weimar Republic years in the 1920s but was also the site of the Reichstag fire in 1933, which led to significant political changes.

What was the immediate aftermath of the Reichstag fire?

The fire caused extensive damage to the debating chamber and the Reichstag dome, and it was used by Hitler to instill fear of a communist plot, leading to the arrest of political opposition without reason or trial.

Who was Marinus van der Lubbe and what role was he accused of playing in the Reichstag fire?

Marinus van der Lubbe was a communist who was found at the scene of the fire and held responsible for it. His alleged involvement was used by Hitler to justify actions against the communists and other political opposition.

What was the 'Decree of the Reich President for the Protection of the People and the State' and its implications?

The decree, signed by President Hindenburg, allowed Hitler to arrest anyone, especially his political opposition, without reason or trial. It also banned freedom of the press and freedom of speech, effectively silencing opposition.

What was the outcome of the election held on the 5th of March 1933?

The Nazis did not win the election outright, gaining only 44% of the vote, which was not enough for the two-thirds majority they needed to change the German democracy into a dictatorship.

What was the 'Enabling Act' and why was it significant in Hitler's rise to power?

The Enabling Act was passed by the Reichstag under the intimidation of the SA and granted Hitler complete political control. It allowed him to pass any law without the approval of the Reichstag for the next four years and abolished any remaining political parties.

What happened to Marinus van der Lubbe after the Reichstag fire?

Marinus van der Lubbe was held responsible for the fire and was eventually pardoned in 2008, long after the events had transpired, highlighting the controversy surrounding his involvement.

How did the Reichstag fire contribute to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party?

The Reichstag fire was used by Hitler to create fear of a communist uprising, leading to the signing of an emergency decree that allowed him to arrest political opposition and silence the press and speech. This set the stage for the Enabling Act and Hitler's rise to absolute power.