Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the SS?
What was the SS?
The SS was originally the private guard to Hitler and important figures within the Nazi party. Later, it served as a means for the Nazis to terrorize or intimidate Germans.
Did the SS have anything to do with the Night of the Long Knives?
Did the SS have anything to do with the Night of the Long Knives?
True
How many sections were there within the SS?
How many sections were there within the SS?
6
What was the initial amount of SS men and what number did the SS grow to?
What was the initial amount of SS men and what number did the SS grow to?
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Who was the Gestapo?
Who was the Gestapo?
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Who was the leader of the SS?
Who was the leader of the SS?
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Who was the leader of the Gestapo?
Who was the leader of the Gestapo?
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What was the main role of the Gestapo?
What was the main role of the Gestapo?
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Did the Nazis re-create existing police and legal systems?
Did the Nazis re-create existing police and legal systems?
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How many crimes were punishable by death in the year 1943?
How many crimes were punishable by death in the year 1943?
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How did the Nazi party control so many people throughout Germany?
How did the Nazi party control so many people throughout Germany?
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What did Himmler do prior to joining the Nazi party?
What did Himmler do prior to joining the Nazi party?
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What was the SS renowned for?
What was the SS renowned for?
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What group of people did the SS watch out for particularly?
What group of people did the SS watch out for particularly?
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What colour uniform did the SS wear?
What colour uniform did the SS wear?
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Study Notes
SS Overview
- The SS (Schutzstaffel) started as Adolf Hitler's private guard and expanded to intimidate Germans and enforce Nazi policies.
- Initially formed to provide security for Nazi leaders, the SS evolved into a key instrument of terror within Germany.
Night of the Long Knives
- The SS played a significant role in the Night of the Long Knives, a purge targeting potential threats to Nazi leadership.
SS Structure
- The SS was divided into six distinct sections, each with specific functions and responsibilities.
Growth of the SS
- Started with 500 men, the SS expanded dramatically to 50,000 members within four years, illustrating its rapid growth and increased influence.
Gestapo Introduction
- Originally the Prussian secret police, the Gestapo became the state secret police in June 1936, operating under the authority of the SS.
Leadership
- Heinrich Himmler served as the leader of both the SS and the Gestapo, centralizing power and control within the Nazi regime.
Gestapo Operations
- The Gestapo monitored citizens through phone tapping, mail interception, and surveillance, actively seeking out opposition to Hitler's regime.
Policing and Legal Systems
- The Nazis did not attempt to re-create existing police and legal systems, opting instead for their own oppressive measures.
Capital Crimes
- By 1943, a total of 46 crimes were punishable by death, reflecting the regime's extreme legal measures.
Social Control
- The Nazi Party maintained control through an extensive local structure that encouraged participation in the regime, fostering a culture of compliance.
Himmler’s Background
- Before joining the Nazi Party, Heinrich Himmler was involved in chicken farming, a relatively ordinary background that contrasted with his later influential role.
SS Reputation
- The SS became infamous for its brutal tactics and violent enforcement of Nazi policies, instilling fear across the nation.
Targeted Groups
- The SS particularly focused on communists as a key group to monitor and suppress, viewing them as ideological threats.
SS Uniform
- Members of the SS were distinctly recognized by their black uniforms, symbolizing authority and intimidation.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the SS, its formation, and roles within the Nazi party. These flashcards cover key events and structures associated with the SS, such as the Night of the Long Knives. Perfect for anyone studying World War II history.
