Summary 10 - Were many ordinary Germans responsible for the 'Final Solution?'

Question 1

Give evidence which suggests that ordinary Germans were not responsible for the ‘Final Solution?’

Answer 1

Many Germans were not aware of the full horror of the Holocaust, many of the death camps were kept a secret.

Question 2

Why were many Germans unable to prevent the everyday aspects of anti-semitism?

Answer 2

The Nazi state was totalitarian and people would have been unable to stand up to the regime even if they disagreed with the anti-semitic policies.

Question 3

Give evidence which suggests that some Germans cooperated with the mistreatment of the Jews?

Answer 3

Civil servants cooperated with the removal of Jews from their jobs and German society.

Question 4

How was anti-semitism made acceptable in Germany?

Answer 4

Propaganda meant that anti-semitism became acceptable in Germany.

Question 5

Give an example of ordinary Germans who actively participated in the mass killing of Jews?

Answer 5

Many of the Einsatzgruppen units consisted of ordinary men.

Question 6

To what extent did ordinary Germans actively and enthusiastically participate in the Holocaust?

Answer 6

Some Germans certainly actively and enthusiastically participated in the Holocaust although these were the minority.