Antisemitism in Nazi Germany 2
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.2.31
Antisemitism in Nazi Germany (cont.)
Antisemitism built up over time in Nazi Germany.
The Nazis view of Jews
- The Nazis viewed Jews as vermin and the cause of all the problems in the world.
- Whilst there were other antisemitic political parties, only the Nazi Party succeeded in gaining a mass following.
- The Nazis saw Jews as an “alien race” that fed off the host nation, poisoned its culture, stole its money, and enslaved its workers and farmers.
- The Nazis claimed that “race-mixing” through marriage weakened Germany.
Nazi control of the press
- As the Nazi regime tightened control over the press in 1933, antisemitic views were promoted to many different groups across Germany.
- Public displays of antisemitism in Nazi Germany took a variety of forms, from posters and newspapers to films and radio addresses.
- Respected German citizens gave lectures at universities and priests spoke in church against the Jews.
A nation turning on Jews
- The entire nation turned against people who were their friends and colleagues.
- German Jews had even won medals for bravery during WW1.
- All of this was forgotten and the plan to kill the Jews was carried out.
- A small number of good people supported the Jews, often risking their lives to defend the Jews.
Test yourself on Antisemitism in Nazi Germany 2
What did Nazis promote to many different groups across Germany?
When did the Nazi regime first tighten its control over the press?