feb 27, 1933 - 13. The Reichstag Fire

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The Reichstag is burned down by a Dutch communist. This event prompts Hitler to call for new elections six days later, in which the NSDAP gains a large share of votes, just short of a majority in the Reichstag. The fire also prompts President Hindenburg, on the advice of Hitler, to issue the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending the freedoms of expression, press, and protest. The Reichstag Fire Decree essentially allows Hitler to ban political dissent, illegalizing opposing media and speech.

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