Why Did Hitler Lose The Reichstag

Ever since with Emperor Wilhelm I’s union of Germany in 1871, elections have been held at the German Reichstag. After the Weimar Republic's Constitution of 1919, the official German voting system was changed from one person running on his own to proportional representation throughout the political party that wins the election. The German election of 1933 was the final free German election until after World War II.

Shortly after Hitler’s appointment as chancellor of Germany, he suggested, to President Hindenburg, that the Reichstag be dissolved. The next German election was scheduled for March of that same year to renew the democratic style of government in Germany. However, six days prior to the Election Day, the Reichstag building in Berlin was set ablaze which effectively dissolved the democratic government.

The burning of the Reichstag building was the clear cut symbol for the beginning of the Nazi revolution. The attack led to the Reichstag Fire Decree . Hitler used this decree to raid various government offices which effectively led to the elimination of all political counterparties to the Nazis. This elimination of rival parties made way for the Hitler led Nazis to assume control.

A slim majority was not Hitler’s goal. He immediately freed the Nazis from the coalition by forcing the cabinet to draft the initial legislation for the Enabling Act. The proposal would designate all legislative power formerly possessed by the Reichstag to the cabinet for four years. The Nazis draft of the Enabling Act ensured complete political dominance for the party, without the needing any support of a majority in the Reichstag or any deals to be made with their now former coalition