Nazi control - Terror.

Question 1

SS.

Answer 1

• The SS were established as an elite bodyguard for Hitler, originally was part of the SA, became more independent and important - but eventually became a “state within a state”.
• Became a key part of the police state and was crucial in upholding the regime ; playing a leading role in terror by its role in running the concentration camps.
• The SS included:
  -> The Wafen - SS, an armed military unit that played an increasing role in WW2.
  -> The SS - Totenkopfverbändr (Deaths head unit), who ran the concentration camps
• The SS’s role were far reaching and included policing, intelligence gathering, security, ideology, race, economy and some military issues.
• The head of the SS was Himmler - he developed it into one of the most brutal of the regimes agencies.
• By 1939, all police and security organisations had been amalgamated under the Reich Security Office (RSHA) which was overseen by Himmler, although in practice it was co-ordinated by his deputy, Reinhard Heydritch.
• It included:
  -> Kripo: the criminal police who were responsible for maintaining law and order.
  -> SD: the party securiry agency.
  -> SIPO: state security.