In what ways did the Reichstag Fire help Hitler to increase his powers in Germany?

The Reichstag Fire in 1933 helped to consolidate Hitler's power and position in Germany as he used it as an opportunity to remove his enemies from the Reichstag.
One of the main ways Hitler increased his powers was by using the event to blame and remove all Communist opposition in the German Communist Party (KPD). This was done following the death of Karl van der Lubbe. He was accused of being a communist and was blamed for starting the fire. Hitler used this opportunity to demonise the communists as people who were attacking the German people. In the lead up to the March election of 1933, Hitler and the Nazis gained power.
Moreover, this event was used by Hitler to increase fears about the Communists, which resulted in the passing of the Emergency Laws by Hindenburg. This law increased police powers and allowed Hitler to arrest hundreds of communists in the Reichstag without trial. With so much of the opposition removed, Hitler was able to pass the Enabling Act in March 1933, which increased his powers even further as he banned all other political parties and he no longer needed to consult the Reichstag to pass new laws.
In conclusion, the Reichstag Fire helped Hitler to increase his power in Germany as he was able to remove all political opposition to him following the arrest of communist party members as well as the banning of all other political parties in Germany.

Answered by Pioli P. History tutor

9658 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Compare and Contrast the roles of Korea and Cuba in the Cold War


What is your specialisation in this field?


What impact did Louis Pasteur have on modern medicine?


How much of a threat did the Pilgrimage of Grace pose to Henry VIII?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences