Summary 7 - The Schutzstaffel (SS)

Question 1

How did the role of the SS change after the Night of the Long Knives?

Answer 1

Originally Hitler’s personal bodyguard, after the Night of the Long Knives the SS expanded to become the main organisation for dealing with political prisoners.

Question 2

What did the SS primarily deal with?

Answer 2

The SS primarily dealt with political prisoners.

Question 3

By 1936, what did the SS control?

Answer 3

By 1936 the SS controlled the entire Third Reich police system and concentration camps.

Question 4

How did the SS treat the inmates of the concentration camps?

Answer 4

After 1936, the number of inmates in concentration camps increased significantly. The SS was systematic in its brutality and strict discipline, it was unquestionably loyal to Hitler.

Question 5

After 1936, the concentration camps were expanded to take ‘undesirables’ – criminals, asocials and non-Aryans as the regime tried to purify the German race. How did the actions of the SS towards the inmates change after 1936?

Answer 5

The SS increased its brutality towards the inmates.

Question 6

Why did the actions of the SS towards the inmates of concentration camps become harsher after 1936?

Answer 6

Himmler gave all of the guards of the concentration camps immunity from prosecution.