History GCSE
Reichstag Fire
What Reichstag Fire means in History GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of Reichstag Fire
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Reichstag Fire in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
In February 1933, blamed on a Dutch communist, it allowed Hitler to persuade Hindenburg to pass an emergency decree suspending civil liberties and targeting political opponents.
Topics that use Reichstag Fire
- Option 31: Key topic 3: Nazi control and dictatorship, 1933–39 - 1 The creation of a dictatorship, 1933–34 (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Army oath of allegiance
- Consolidation of power
- Elimination of opposition
- Enabling Act
- Führer
- Night of the Long Knives
Using Reichstag Fire in the exam
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