Law against the Founding of New Parties
The Law against the Founding of New Parties was one of a series of key decrees, legislative acts, and case law in the gradual process by which the Nazi leadership moved Germany from a democracy to a dictatorship.
Background
In another pivotal step in the transformation of German society from a democracy to a dictatorship, the Nazi leadership passed the Law against the Founding of New Parties. With this law, passed on July 14, 1933, all other political entities were disbanded or dissolved. As a consequence, some activists fled abroad. Others prepared to work within an illegal party framework. Some parties went underground and some simply dissolved from intimidation and pressure.
Germany became a one-party dictatorship led by National Socialists, whom the law made the only legitimate political party in the country.
Translation
Translated from Reichsgesetzblatt I, 1933, p. 479.
The Reich Government has decided on the following law and hereby proclaims it:
Article 1
The National Socialist German Workers Party is the only political party in Germany.
Article 2
The maintenance of the organizational cohesion of another political party or the founding of a new political party is punishable with prison of up to three years, or with jail from six months to three years, insofar as the act is not punishable with a higher penalty under other provisions of the law.
Berlin, July 14, 1933
Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler
Reich Minister of the Interior Frick
Reich Minister of Justice Dr. Gürtner
Critical Thinking Questions
How did the Law Against the Founding of New Parties contribute to Germany's transition from democracy to dictatorship? Which groups might have been most affected by this law?
Nazi leaders banned other political parties. How can understanding this process and its impact help individuals recognize and respond to signs that a country is at risk for genocide or mass atrocities?