Final Solution (106) Flashcards
What was the Final Solution ?
The Final Solution or Final Solution to the Jewish Question was Nazi Germany’s plan during World War II to systematically exterminate the Jewish population in Nazi occupied Europe through genocide.
What was the initial aim of the Final Solution ?
The aim was to roundup all 11 million European Jews and send them to the already established ghettos in Poland
What were the initial concentration camps ?
Three specialized killing centers, Belzec, Treblinka and Sobibor, were constructed in southeast Poland, featuring large gas chambers with adjacent crematories or burial pits for the disposal of corpses. After they became operational, the ghettos were bypassed and Jews went directly by train to the new death camps.
What changed in 1943 ?
The SS bypassed the ghettos and sent the Jews straight to the camps such as in the spring of 1943, Auschwitz-Birkenau served as the focal point of the Nazi effort to exterminate the Jews.
Who became the central figure in the final solution ?
SS-Obersturmbannführer Adolf Eichmann, who became a central figure in the day-to-day management of the Final Solution.
Economic advantage to the Nazis and SS
The SS organization also found it could profit financially from the human traffic. Upon arrival in the camps, all belongings were taken from the Jews. Foreign currency, gold, jewels and other valuables were sent to SS Headquarters of the Economic Administration. Wedding rings, eye glasses, shoes, gold fillings, clothing and even hair shorn from women also served to enrich the SS, with the proceeds funneled into secret Reichsbank accounts. Watches, clocks and pens were distributed to soldiers at the Front while clothing was given to German families.
When did the final solution start ?
mid 1941 to the May 7th 1945 (german surrender from WW2)
Who was targeted ?
Jews, Gypsies and Russians
