Embedded Files
Marinus van der Lubbe was blamed for the Reichstag fire and executed in 1934
Who set the fire to the Reichstag Building?
Was it Blind Chance for Hitler to consolidate his power
or was it a NAZI plot?
LET'S RECAP
the events in the lead-up to the Reichstag Fire
CASE BRIEFING
THE EVIDENCE FILE
Watch this video to know what the Reichstag fire was all about.
This is an 18 min video - if you prefer reading evidences gathered, please scroll down...
Watch ONE last video if you want to know more...
Fritz Tobias, a historian in the Nazi party, was one of the more prominent of the speculators of the time. Benjamin Carter Hett, author of Burning the Reichstag, explains Fritz Tobias's devious manipulation of the incident, and how far his theories were from the truth.
Make a copy of this document
Rename it using your group number and names (e.g. Group 3 – John, Jane).
Work together to complete all parts of the worksheet. Each group should submit one completed worksheet by the end of the lesson.
Be ready to:
Present your verdict (A/B/C)
Share your two-three pieces of evidence with explanations
Deliver your 2-minute closing statement confidently
POWERFUL LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM THE REICHSTAG FIRE
The lessons from the Reichstag fire are relevant today as societies continue to grapple with threats to democracy and the rise of authoritarianism. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremism, propaganda, and the erosion of civil liberties.
The Danger of Political Manipulation: The Nazis used the fire as a pretext to push through the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties and paved the way for the authoritarian rule of Hitler.
Threat to Democracy: The event highlighted the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of crises. The Reichstag fire allowed Hitler to consolidate power rapidly, undermining the Weimar Republic and ultimately leading to the establishment of a totalitarian regime.
Role of Fear and Crisis: By capitalizing on public panic and portraying themselves as the saviors of the nation, the Nazis were able to strengthen their grip on power.
Importance of Vigilance: The Reichstag fire serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in defending democratic values and institutions. It shows how easily liberties can be eroded in times of crisis if citizens and leaders fail to uphold them.
Need for Independent Investigation: There are still debates and controversies surrounding the true cause of the fire, with some historians suggesting that the Nazis themselves may have been involved in setting it.
Page updated
Report abuse