the Third Reich (14) Flashcards
What term describes the ‘social death’ of German Jews before their physical murder?
‘social death’ (Kaplan)
Refers to the systemic dehumanization and marginalization of Jews in Nazi Germany.
What was Hitler’s ideological vision focused on?
‘race and space’
This ideology emphasized the need for living space (Lebensraum) for the German people.
What does Lebensraum refer to?
Adequate living space for the next one hundred years
This concept was central to Nazi expansionist policies.
What significant event occurred from March 11-13, 1938?
Anschluss - Nazi annexation of Austria
Most Austrians were enthusiastic about this annexation.
What was the Munich Agreement, and when was it signed?
A 1938 agreement where Germany, Italy, GB, and France allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudeten region of Czechoslovakia
This agreement was a significant moment in the lead-up to World War II.
What happened on March 15, 1939?
Nazi Germany invaded and occupied the Czech provinces of Bohemia and Moravia
This marked further aggression by Nazi Germany in Europe.
What was the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?
A non-aggression pact signed by Germany and the Soviet Union
It divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
When was the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed?
Aug 23 1939
When did Germany invade Poland, and what was the significance?
September 1, 1939 - Triggered the start of World War II
This invasion led to Britain and France declaring war on Germany.
What is Blitzkrieg?
‘lightning war’
A military tactic used by Germany to achieve quick victories in warfare.
What was the Sitzkrieg?
A phony war period from October 1939 until May 10, 1940
Characterized by a lack of significant military operations despite the state of war.
How many Jews were in Germany before the Holocaust?
565k
This number highlights the Jewish population in Germany prior to the escalation of Nazi policies.
How many Jews were in Poland before the Holocaust?
3 million
This population was a significant target during the Nazi invasion.
What anti-Jewish laws were issued by the Nazi government in 1939?
55 new anti-Jewish laws and decrees
These laws intensified the persecution of Jews in Germany.
What were Judenhauser?
Jewish houses where Jews were forced to move by 1943
These were part of the segregation policies against Jews.
What were the living conditions for Jews under Nazi rule?
Desperate living conditions, reduced rations, and forced labor
These conditions led to suffering and increased mortality among Jews.
What was the significance of Babi Yar?
Site where over 50,000 Jews were murdered by German forces in 1941
It exemplifies the mass shootings conducted by Einsatzgruppen.
When was Babi Yar?
Sept-Oct 1941
What was the Siege of Leningrad?
One of the longest and most destructive sieges in history lasting 890 days
This event was part of the incredibly violent conflict during the invasion of the Soviet Union.
What was the Generalplan Ost?
Nazi plan for ethnic cleansing and settlement of Germans in conquered territories
It aimed to reduce the native population through death or expulsion.
What method was used by Nazis for mass killings starting in 1941?
Gassing using gas vans
This method was initially used on Soviet POWs and Jews.
What was the Wannsee Conference?
A meeting on January 20, 1942, to coordinate the implementation of the ‘Final Solution’
It involved high-ranking Nazi officials discussing the mass murder of Jews.
What were the killing centers established in 1942?
Belzec and Treblinka
These camps were specifically designed for extermination.
What was the role of local populations in the deportation of Jews?
Collaboration with Nazis to deport Jews
Local military and police often facilitated the expropriation and concentration of Jews.
