The SA and Political Violence
Examining the role of the SA (Brownshirts) in intimidating political opponents and creating an atmosphere of fear.
Key Questions
- Explain the primary functions of the SA in the Nazi Party's rise to power.
- Analyze the role political violence played in the German elections of 1932.
- Assess the extent to which the SA's actions contributed to the breakdown of law and order.
National Curriculum Attainment Targets
About This Topic
The Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act represent the rapid dismantling of German democracy in the spring of 1933. This topic covers how the Nazis used the fire (blamed on a Dutch Communist) to pass the 'Decree for the Protection of People and State', which suspended civil liberties. This was followed by the Enabling Act, which gave Hitler the power to pass laws without the Reichstag's consent for four years.
Students must understand how these events allowed Hitler to achieve 'legal' dictatorship. The concept of 'Gleichschaltung' (co-ordination) is central here, as the Nazis began to take control of all aspects of German life. This topic is highly effective when taught through a 'legal investigation' or a mock parliamentary debate, where students see how fear and intimidation were used to coerce other political parties into voting away their own power.
Active Learning Ideas
Inquiry Circle: The Fire Evidence
Students act as 'historical detectives' examining the evidence surrounding the Reichstag Fire. They look at the arrest of Marinus van der Lubbe and the Nazi response, debating whether it was a lucky break for Hitler or a planned 'false flag' operation.
Mock Parliamentary Debate: The Enabling Act
Set up the classroom as the Kroll Opera House. Some students represent the Nazis (using intimidation), while others represent the Centre Party and the SPD. They must decide whether to vote for the Act, experiencing the atmosphere of fear that surrounded the actual vote.
Think-Pair-Share: The End of Liberty
Students read the terms of the 'Protection of People and State' decree. They discuss in pairs which suspended right (e.g., freedom of press, freedom of assembly) was most damaging to the opposition's ability to fight back.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionHitler took power by force in a coup.
What to Teach Instead
The Enabling Act was passed legally by a two-thirds majority in the Reichstag (though under extreme duress). A 'legal vs. illegal' sorting activity helps students understand the 'veneer of legality' Hitler maintained.
Common MisconceptionThe Reichstag Fire was definitely started by the Nazis.
What to Teach Instead
Historians are still divided; it may have been a lone act by van der Lubbe that the Nazis simply exploited. A 'weighing the evidence' activity helps students engage with historical uncertainty.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Reichstag Fire Decree?
Why did the Centre Party vote for the Enabling Act?
What does 'Gleichschaltung' mean?
How can active learning help students understand the Enabling Act?
Planning templates for History
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
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