When did the Reichstag fire occur, and what was its significance?

The Reichstag fire occurred on February 27, 1933, and its significance lies in the way it was manipulated by the Nazi Party to consolidate power. Following the fire, which destroyed the German parliament building, Adolf Hitler and the Nazis claimed that it was a communist plot aimed at overthrowing the government. This event provided Hitler with a dramatic opportunity to persuade President Paul von Hindenburg to sign the Reichstag Fire Decree the very next day.

This decree suspended many civil liberties and allowed for the arrest of political opponents, particularly communists and socialists. It marked a critical turning point for democracy in Germany, as it facilitated the Nazis' rapid consolidation of power by stifling dissent and opposition. The manipulation of the fire incident played a pivotal role in establishing a framework for the authoritarian regime that would dominate Germany.