The Reichstag Fire Decree

On February 27th, 1933, the German Parliament (The Reichstag) burned down, which provided a wonderful opportunity for Hitler's newly formed government to blame the fire on a communist attempt to overthrow the state. In response to the communist threat, Hitler was able to put into power The Reichstag Fire Decree, which permitted Hitler's regime to arrest and incarcerate political opponents without formal charges. This act suspended the right to assembly, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and other constitutional rights. In the weeks following, thousands of people were arrested under this act, and The Reichstag Fire Decree would, along with the Enabling Act of 1933, give Hitler dictatorial control over Nazi Germany for the remainder of the war.