What was the main purpose of the Reichstag Fire Decree?

The Reichstag Fire Decree, issued on February 28, 1933, was primarily aimed at suspending civil liberties and enabling the government to arrest political opponents. Following the fire that destroyed the Reichstag building, the decree justified the use of emergency powers, allowing the Nazi regime to curtail individual freedoms such as the right to assembly and free speech. It provided a legal basis for the arrest of communists and other political adversaries, facilitating the Nazis' consolidation of power in Germany. This action was a critical step in the establishment of a totalitarian state, effectively dismantling the democratic structures in place and paving the way for increased state control over all aspects of life and politics.

The other options do not align with the historical context of the Reichstag Fire Decree; there were no initiatives to improve civil liberties or democratic reforms, nor was the establishment of a new political party a purpose of this decree. Instead, it focused on enhancing the Nazis' ability to suppress dissent and eliminate opposition.