Nazi persecution

• What is the focus of this rapid revision session?

  Persecution of minorities by the Nazi government
• Why is the topic of Nazi persecution considered heavy?

  It involves uncomfortable historical truths
• Until what year does the course on Nazi Germany finish?

  1939
• Why is the year 1939 significant in the context of Nazi actions?

  It marks the outbreak of World War II
• What was the Nazi belief about racial differences?

  Some groups were stronger or superior
• What term did Hitler use to describe the Aryan race?

  Master race
• How did the Nazis view Jews and Roma Gypsies?

  As unworthy of life
• What pseudo-scientific belief influenced Nazi ideology?

  Eugenics
• What was the purpose of the Nazi propaganda against Slavs?

  To justify their mistreatment
• What was the term used for living space needed for Aryans?

  Lebensraum
• How many gypsies were in Germany before World War II?

  Under 30,000
• What happened to gypsies in Germany from 1936?

  They were rounded up and placed in camps
• What was the purpose of the 1938 register of gypsies?

  To test their race and citizenship
• What was the Nazi view on homosexuals?

  They were a threat to traditional families
• How many gay men were imprisoned in 1934?

  766
• What symbol did homosexuals wear in concentration camps?

  A pink triangle patch
• What law was passed in 1938 regarding disabled people?

  Law for the prevention of hereditarily diseased offspring
• What did the Nazis believe about disabled people?

  They were a burden on society
• How many sterilizations were carried out by 1939?

  400,000
• What was the T4 program?

  Killing of disabled babies and children
• How many people were killed under the T4 program?

  5,000
• What was the public reaction to the T4 program?

  Public pressure ended it in 1941
• What was the cornerstone of Nazi racist beliefs?

  Hatred of Jewish people
• What event marked the beginning of increased anti-Semitism?

  National boycott of Jewish shops
• What were the Nuremberg Laws?

  They limited the rights of Jewish Germans
• What did the Reich law on citizenship state?

  Only those of German blood could be citizens
• What was required of Jews in public after the Nuremberg Laws?

  To wear a yellow star of David patch
• What was the significance of the November 1938 event?

  It marked a wave of violence against Jews
• What was the name given to the November 1938 attacks?

  Kristallnacht
• How many Jewish-owned shops were destroyed during Kristallnacht?

  814
• What was the outcome for many Jews after Kristallnacht?

  20,000 were rounded up into camps
• What did the Nazis blame Jews for after Kristallnacht?

  For the violence and destruction
• What law was passed in January 1939 regarding Jews?

  Eviction of all Jews from Germany
• What was the role of Heydrich in the Nazi regime?

  He organized the deportation of Jews
• Why did many Germans ignore the persecution of Jews?

  Fear of the Nazis or agreement with policies
• How did Jewish people resist persecution?

  By maintaining personal identity and traditions
• What were the main groups targeted by Nazi persecution?

  • Slaves from Eastern and Central Europe
  • Roma and Cinti people (Gypsies)
  • Homosexuals
  • Disabled individuals
  • Jewish people
• What were the stages of persecution against Jewish people in Nazi Germany?

  1. National boycott of Jewish shops (1933)
  2. Nuremberg Laws (1935)

  • Loss of citizenship and rights
  • Requirement to wear yellow star

  1. Kristallnacht (1938)

  • Mass violence against Jews
  • 20,000 rounded up into camps

  1. Eviction law (1939)
• What were the reasons for the lack of resistance to Nazi persecution?

  • Fear of Gestapo and SS
  • Agreement with Nazi policies
  • Ignorance or denial of events
• How did Nazi beliefs about race influence their policies?

  • Belief in Aryan superiority
  • Dehumanization of minorities
  • Justification for violence and persecution