L5 Genocide

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STATE CRIMESTATE CRIME

Shoah* Shoah* -- The HolocaustThe HolocaustThe Nazis and the JewsThe Nazis and the Jews

* Hebrew term meaning * Hebrew term meaning ‘‘calamitycalamity’’, used in preference to Holocaust derived from , used in preference to Holocaust derived from the Greek, meaning the Greek, meaning ‘‘completely burnedcompletely burned’’

THE PATH TO GENOCIDETHE PATH TO GENOCIDEAntiAnti--Semitic (specifically, antiSemitic (specifically, anti--Jewish) sentiment Jewish) sentiment dates back thousands of years.dates back thousands of years.Much of the Jewish Diaspora settled in Europe on Much of the Jewish Diaspora settled in Europe on expulsion from Judea in & after the Roman Empire.expulsion from Judea in & after the Roman Empire.Persecution of Persecution of -- and violence against and violence against -- the Jews was the Jews was a regular feature in different parts of Europe at a regular feature in different parts of Europe at different points in time. In medieval times, Jews had different points in time. In medieval times, Jews had been brutally treated in England on occasions. Later, been brutally treated in England on occasions. Later, in the nineteenth & early twentieth centuries, several in the nineteenth & early twentieth centuries, several European regimes remained antiEuropean regimes remained anti--Semitic especially Semitic especially Poland and Russia (and subsequently the USSR), Poland and Russia (and subsequently the USSR), while in France, the Dreyfuss affair exposed official while in France, the Dreyfuss affair exposed official antianti--Semitic behaviour.Semitic behaviour.PseudoPseudo--scientific methods were frequently used to scientific methods were frequently used to seek intellectual respectability for such views.seek intellectual respectability for such views.

Genocide is not a recent phenomenon:Genocide is not a recent phenomenon:Armenia Armenia -- the forgotten Holocaustthe forgotten Holocaust

‘‘RespectableRespectable’’ antianti--Semitism?Semitism?Martin Heidegger, academic and Martin Heidegger, academic and

philosopher, 1889philosopher, 1889--19761976

Martin Niemoeller, 1892Martin Niemoeller, 1892--19841984

UU--boat ace of WWIboat ace of WWITheologian and pastorTheologian and pastorConservativeConservativeEarly supporter of HitlerEarly supporter of HitlerLater opponent of the regime Later opponent of the regime over suppression of religious over suppression of religious freedom and imprisonedfreedom and imprisonedControversial postControversial post--war figurewar figurePeace campaignerPeace campaigner

This would be a factor in why so many were so easily This would be a factor in why so many were so easily exterminated in countries later occupied by Germany.exterminated in countries later occupied by Germany.While terrible, persecution seldom led to pogroms While terrible, persecution seldom led to pogroms still less to anything more organised, systematic and still less to anything more organised, systematic and sustained such as a genocide.sustained such as a genocide.In Germany and Austria, antiIn Germany and Austria, anti--semiticsemitic feeling was also feeling was also established but, as in other countries, while often established but, as in other countries, while often distrusted in some quarters, Jews continued to play an distrusted in some quarters, Jews continued to play an important in public and commercial life.important in public and commercial life.The National Socialist Workers Party of Germany The National Socialist Workers Party of Germany (the Nazi Party) was formed in the aftermath of (the Nazi Party) was formed in the aftermath of GermanyGermany’’s defeat in the First World War.s defeat in the First World War.PrePre--existing antiexisting anti--semiticsemitic sentiments would be a factor sentiments would be a factor in why so many were so easily exterminated in in why so many were so easily exterminated in countries later occupied by Germany.countries later occupied by Germany.

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While terrible, persecution seldom led to pogroms While terrible, persecution seldom led to pogroms still less to anything more organised, systematic and still less to anything more organised, systematic and sustained such as a genocide.sustained such as a genocide.In Germany and Austria, antiIn Germany and Austria, anti--Semitic feeling was Semitic feeling was also established but, as in other countries, while often also established but, as in other countries, while often distrusted in some quarters, Jews continued to play an distrusted in some quarters, Jews continued to play an important in public and commercial life.important in public and commercial life.The National Socialist Workers Party of Germany The National Socialist Workers Party of Germany (the Nazi Party) was formed in the aftermath of (the Nazi Party) was formed in the aftermath of GermanyGermany’’s defeat in the First World War.s defeat in the First World War.Comprising a mix of disaffected individuals from Comprising a mix of disaffected individuals from military, ultramilitary, ultra-- nationalists, racial theorists, nationalists, racial theorists, eugenicists, antieugenicists, anti--communists and others, the Nazis communists and others, the Nazis were ideologically hostile to Jews seeing them as part were ideologically hostile to Jews seeing them as part of a wider communist/ of a wider communist/ bolshevickbolshevick conspiracy against conspiracy against Germany and the German people.Germany and the German people.

In In Mein KampfMein Kampf (My Struggle), written during his (My Struggle), written during his period in prison following the failed Munich period in prison following the failed Munich PutschPutschin 1923, Hitler, the leader of the Nazis, railed against in 1923, Hitler, the leader of the Nazis, railed against the enemies of Germany, including those who had the enemies of Germany, including those who had ‘‘betrayedbetrayed’’ the country the country –– the politics of the the politics of the ‘‘stab in the stab in the backback’’Hitler reserved his greatest venom for the Jews.Hitler reserved his greatest venom for the Jews.Nazi party newspapers such as Nazi party newspapers such as Der SturmerDer Sturmer and, and, later, later, Volkischer BeobachterVolkischer Beobachter, regularly carried the , regularly carried the most virulent antimost virulent anti--Semitic propaganda.Semitic propaganda.The Weimar Republic, established in Germany after The Weimar Republic, established in Germany after 1919, was a weak democracy which was widely 1919, was a weak democracy which was widely discredited in the eyes of many Germans, being discredited in the eyes of many Germans, being associated with the humiliating Versailles Treaty, the associated with the humiliating Versailles Treaty, the great inflation of 1923, and the worsening depression great inflation of 1923, and the worsening depression –– 6 million unemployed.6 million unemployed.

‘‘Der StuermerDer Stuermer’’Portrayals of JewsPortrayals of Jews

‘‘Der Der StStüürmerrmer’’Portrayals of JewsPortrayals of Jews

Portrayals of Jews, 1930Portrayals of Jews, 1930““They fight and the Jew grinsThey fight and the Jew grins””

Portrayals of Jews, 1931Portrayals of Jews, 1931““The Worm The Worm –– Where something is Where something is

rotten, the Jew is the causerotten, the Jew is the cause””

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Portrayals of Jews, 1931Portrayals of Jews, 1931““Buy from the Jews, betray your peopleBuy from the Jews, betray your people””

Portrayals of Jews, 1933Portrayals of Jews, 1933““RevengeRevenge””

Portrayals of Jews, 1933Portrayals of Jews, 1933““Away with himAway with him””

Der StDer Stüürmerrmer, 1934, 1934““Jewish Murder Plan against Gentile Jewish Murder Plan against Gentile

Humanity RevealedHumanity Revealed””

In General Elections in the late 1920s and 1930s, the In General Elections in the late 1920s and 1930s, the Nazis increased their share of the popular vote.Nazis increased their share of the popular vote.In the 1932 Election, although not an outright victor, In the 1932 Election, although not an outright victor, fearful of the Communist alternatives, and believing fearful of the Communist alternatives, and believing that the that the ‘‘Austrian corporalAustrian corporal’’ could be easily managed, could be easily managed, the Reich President, Field Marshall Hindenburg the Reich President, Field Marshall Hindenburg invited Hitler to form a government. A number of invited Hitler to form a government. A number of minor parties joined.minor parties joined.From January 1933, the new government moved to From January 1933, the new government moved to ratchet up the hitherto sporadic antiratchet up the hitherto sporadic anti--Jewish activities Jewish activities of Nazi party supporters, while the Reichstag fire of of Nazi party supporters, while the Reichstag fire of April 1933 was blamed on Jews and used as April 1933 was blamed on Jews and used as justification for punitive measures.justification for punitive measures.HindenburgHindenburg’’s death in 1934 cleared the way, Reichs s death in 1934 cleared the way, Reichs Chancellor Hitler assumed total power, proclaiming Chancellor Hitler assumed total power, proclaiming himself himself FFüührer hrer (literally, the Leader).(literally, the Leader).

Adolf Hitler, 1889Adolf Hitler, 1889--19451945ReichskanzlerReichskanzler and and FFüührerhrer

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““German Defend Yourselves! DonGerman Defend Yourselves! Don’’t t buy from Jews!buy from Jews!””, 1933, 1933

Appealing to Aryan youth Appealing to Aryan youth –– the the ‘‘Master Master RaceRace’’ concept was a longconcept was a long--established established part of German culture and thinkingpart of German culture and thinking

Nazism had clearly defined gender roles:Nazism had clearly defined gender roles:Men go to fight Women tend ChildrenMen go to fight Women tend Children

The Nuremburg Laws proclaimed in 1935 imposed The Nuremburg Laws proclaimed in 1935 imposed growing legal restrictions on nongrowing legal restrictions on non--Aryans (mainly Aryans (mainly Jews but also gypsies and others considered racially Jews but also gypsies and others considered racially inferior). New interinferior). New inter--racial marriage and relationships racial marriage and relationships were prohibited. Discrimination in key jobs. Loss of were prohibited. Discrimination in key jobs. Loss of assets. Jews harassed, mocked, denounced, exiled.assets. Jews harassed, mocked, denounced, exiled.Many German and Austrian Jews fled eg to Poland, Many German and Austrian Jews fled eg to Poland, France, Holland or further afield to the UK and USA France, Holland or further afield to the UK and USA though other countries applied tight restrictions. A though other countries applied tight restrictions. A flight to the British mandate of Palestine also began.flight to the British mandate of Palestine also began.In 1938, Herschel Grynszpan, a Jewish activist, In 1938, Herschel Grynszpan, a Jewish activist, assassinated a member of the German Embassy in assassinated a member of the German Embassy in Paris. Within 24 hrs, 20000 Jews were arrested, 200 Paris. Within 24 hrs, 20000 Jews were arrested, 200 synagogues burnt in an act of collective punishment. synagogues burnt in an act of collective punishment. Public opinion still mattered however and persecution Public opinion still mattered however and persecution was still haphazard and less than systematic.was still haphazard and less than systematic.

Portrayals of Jews, 1936 Portrayals of Jews, 1936 -- ““UnfruitfulUnfruitful-- She belongs to the church, she belongs to She belongs to the church, she belongs to

Satan. Both lost to the German raceSatan. Both lost to the German race””

Portrayal of Jews, 1936Portrayal of Jews, 1936““The Decent JewThe Decent Jew””

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The persecution intensifies, 1937 The persecution intensifies, 1937 ““The Eternal JewThe Eternal Jew””

BerlinBerlin’’s gutted synagogue following s gutted synagogue following KristallnachtKristallnacht, 9 November 1938, 9 November 1938

Portrayal of Jews, 1939 Portrayal of Jews, 1939 -- ““The Land of The Land of Freedom Freedom –– where one is ruled by Jews, where one is ruled by Jews,

freedom is only an empty dreamfreedom is only an empty dream””..

Portrayal of Jews, 1943 Portrayal of Jews, 1943 -- ““The mobilization of The mobilization of the Peoplethe People””. After the disaster at Stalingrad, . After the disaster at Stalingrad,

Goebbels announces Goebbels announces ‘‘Total WarTotal War’’

Portrayal of Jews, September 1944 Portrayal of Jews, September 1944 --““VerminVermin””

Eugenics movements across Europe and the USA but Eugenics movements across Europe and the USA but Germany took to new depthsGermany took to new depthsDowns, physically disabled, mentally enfeebled and Downs, physically disabled, mentally enfeebled and other other ‘‘undesirablesundesirables’’ either sterilized or murdered at either sterilized or murdered at official sanatoria such as Schloss Hartheimofficial sanatoria such as Schloss HartheimFamilies told they had died of pneumonia then Families told they had died of pneumonia then cremated.cremated.Actually killed by CO2 poisoning in mobile killing Actually killed by CO2 poisoning in mobile killing vans, lethal injection,vans, lethal injection,Later presented as Later presented as ‘‘mercymercy’’ killings and as part of killings and as part of ensuring racial hygiene.ensuring racial hygiene.Methods used were later refined for use against the Methods used were later refined for use against the Jews and others.Jews and others.

A foretaste of mass murder came with A foretaste of mass murder came with ‘‘Action T4Action T4’’ –– the euthanasia programmethe euthanasia programme

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A foretaste of mass murder came with A foretaste of mass murder came with ‘‘Action T4Action T4’’ –– the euthanasia programmethe euthanasia programme

Internal dissent on Internal dissent on ‘‘Action T4Action T4’’Church figures protested against the StateChurch figures protested against the State’’s actions.s actions.The RC Bishop of Munster, Clemens August Graf The RC Bishop of Munster, Clemens August Graf von Galen publicly denounced the T4 program in a von Galen publicly denounced the T4 program in a sermon, calling on "the Fsermon, calling on "the Füührer to defend the people hrer to defend the people against the Gestapo. against the Gestapo. …… It is a terrible, unjust and It is a terrible, unjust and catastrophic thing when man opposes his will to the catastrophic thing when man opposes his will to the will of God," Galen said. "We are talking about men will of God," Galen said. "We are talking about men and women, our compatriots, our brothers and sisters. and women, our compatriots, our brothers and sisters. Poor unproductive people if you wish, but does this Poor unproductive people if you wish, but does this mean that they have lost their right to live?mean that they have lost their right to live?““This powerful, populist sermon was immediately This powerful, populist sermon was immediately reproduced and distributed throughout Germany. reproduced and distributed throughout Germany. ……Galen's sermon probably had a greater impact than Galen's sermon probably had a greater impact than any other statement in consolidating antiany other statement in consolidating anti--‘‘euthanasia' euthanasia' sentimentsentiment”” (Robert Lifton). (Robert Lifton).

In August 1942, von Galen was even more outspoken In August 1942, von Galen was even more outspoken broadening his attack to include the Nazi persecution broadening his attack to include the Nazi persecution of religious orders and the closing of Catholic of religious orders and the closing of Catholic institutions, attributing the heavy allied bombing of institutions, attributing the heavy allied bombing of German cities as the wrath of God against Germany German cities as the wrath of God against Germany for breaking His laws.for breaking His laws.The censored German press did not report the The censored German press did not report the protests.protests.Surprisingly, despite requests for his arrest by local Surprisingly, despite requests for his arrest by local Nazis, Galen remained free.Nazis, Galen remained free.More than 400,000 people were sterilized and a More than 400,000 people were sterilized and a further 70,000 were killed in the Action T4. further 70,000 were killed in the Action T4.

THE SECOND WORLD WARTHE SECOND WORLD WAR

The preThe pre--War Reich (Germany, Austria and the Reich War Reich (Germany, Austria and the Reich protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia) possessed protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia) possessed c.350,000 Jews.c.350,000 Jews.HitlerHitler’’s plan envisaged that most of eastern Europe s plan envisaged that most of eastern Europe (beyond vassal states) would be a vast German (beyond vassal states) would be a vast German Colony. Slavs would be slaves Colony. Slavs would be slaves –– and fewer in and fewer in number. So Aryan Germany in the middle, number. So Aryan Germany in the middle, surrounded by less important Aryans or even surrounded by less important Aryans or even subhuman subhuman untermensch untermensch Slavs. The course of the war Slavs. The course of the war disrupted his ambitions.disrupted his ambitions.1 September 1939, Germany attacked and conquered 1 September 1939, Germany attacked and conquered Poland (the USSR attacking from the East).Poland (the USSR attacking from the East).

Invasion was part of a longInvasion was part of a long--held plan of territorial held plan of territorial aggrandisement to create aggrandisement to create LebensraumLebensraum ((‘‘living spaceliving space’’) ) for German people.for German people.The divided Polish state was dissolved The divided Polish state was dissolved –– the Nazis the Nazis created created ‘‘the General Governmentthe General Government’’ area in the former area in the former Poland, added 3,000,000 more Jews.Poland, added 3,000,000 more Jews.Immediately, persecution of Jews intensified.Immediately, persecution of Jews intensified.Wholesale expulsions and mass movement of Wholesale expulsions and mass movement of populations begun with Jews put into ghettos pending populations begun with Jews put into ghettos pending a decision on further measures.a decision on further measures.Other civilians were often badly treated but the worst Other civilians were often badly treated but the worst general treatment was reserved for the Jews.general treatment was reserved for the Jews.Ethnic Germans living in the occupied zones were Ethnic Germans living in the occupied zones were moved into the emptied areas of Jews/Poles.moved into the emptied areas of Jews/Poles.

Poland ceases to existPoland ceases to exist

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Ghettos were invariably geographical small but Ghettos were invariably geographical small but shockingly densely populated. Walls built around shockingly densely populated. Walls built around them. Crossing was forbidden. Food and other them. Crossing was forbidden. Food and other supplies deliberately severely restricted to encourage supplies deliberately severely restricted to encourage death). Collaborators dealt with harshly. Reprisals death). Collaborators dealt with harshly. Reprisals were swift, disproportionate , ruthless and arbitrary.were swift, disproportionate , ruthless and arbitrary.Ultimately, there could be no accommodation, nUltimately, there could be no accommodation, no o chance for collaboration chance for collaboration –– Jews had to die. Ethnic Jews had to die. Ethnic Slavs were deemed slightly less obnoxious than Jews Slavs were deemed slightly less obnoxious than Jews but could be made to do forced labour but could be made to do forced labour -- effective effective enslavement.enslavement.Ghettos were established in many towns and cities Ghettos were established in many towns and cities though the largest were in Warsaw and Lublin.though the largest were in Warsaw and Lublin.Propaganda Minister Goebbels and Hans Frank, the Propaganda Minister Goebbels and Hans Frank, the Governor of the General Government, made films Governor of the General Government, made films which deliberately portrayed ghetto inhabitants as which deliberately portrayed ghetto inhabitants as vermin, needing to be cleansed vermin, needing to be cleansed ……....

The Star of David to be worn by all The Star of David to be worn by all Jews, starting from 1939Jews, starting from 1939

Goebbels on the JewsGoebbels on the Jews

"Wherever rats turn up, they spread "Wherever rats turn up, they spread annihilation throughout the land, annihilation throughout the land, destroying property and food supplies. destroying property and food supplies. This is how they disseminate disease. This is how they disseminate disease. Pestilence, leprosy, typhus, cholera, Pestilence, leprosy, typhus, cholera, dysentery. Just like the Jews among dysentery. Just like the Jews among mankind, rats represent the very essence mankind, rats represent the very essence of malicious and subterranean of malicious and subterranean destruction."destruction."

A victim of a pogrom in Poland, 1940A victim of a pogrom in Poland, 1940

A street scene in the Warsaw ghetto, 1941A street scene in the Warsaw ghetto, 1941 Killing so many people was organizationally Killing so many people was organizationally challenging for the SS which was given the task.challenging for the SS which was given the task.The SS established 4 The SS established 4 EinsatzgruppenEinsatzgruppen (special action (special action squads) composed of men from the SS, Gestapo, and squads) composed of men from the SS, Gestapo, and selected others, each led by a senior officer, all of selected others, each led by a senior officer, all of whom were highly educated individuals.whom were highly educated individuals.The 4 The 4 EinsatzgruppenEinsatzgruppen followed the followed the WehrmachtWehrmacht into into newly occupied conquested territory and begun newly occupied conquested territory and begun rounding up Jews (along with Communists, Gypsies rounding up Jews (along with Communists, Gypsies and other and other ‘‘undesirablesundesirables’’).).Victims were invariably beaten, their possessions Victims were invariably beaten, their possessions stolen, stripped, lined up and then shot, their bodies to stolen, stripped, lined up and then shot, their bodies to fall into giant pits, row upon row. The bodies would fall into giant pits, row upon row. The bodies would be covered in lime to help destroy them.be covered in lime to help destroy them.Later, as the Germans retreated, many mass graves Later, as the Germans retreated, many mass graves dug up and the putrescent remains hastily cremated.dug up and the putrescent remains hastily cremated.

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Though wary of international reaction, and done in Though wary of international reaction, and done in secrecy, there was little real attempt to hide these secrecy, there was little real attempt to hide these activities at a local level. activities at a local level. ‘‘SympathisersSympathisers’’ were were recruited whose bloodlust in pogroms against Jews recruited whose bloodlust in pogroms against Jews even surprised the Germanseven surprised the GermansLocal police battalions and militias.Local police battalions and militias.Shooting proved Shooting proved ‘‘unhygienicunhygienic’’ and costly and costly (ammunition) while upsetting to the morale of the (ammunition) while upsetting to the morale of the units involved in the actions!units involved in the actions!Alternative methods of disposal sought.Alternative methods of disposal sought.The Wannsee Conference, January 1942, saw leaders The Wannsee Conference, January 1942, saw leaders of the Third Reich meet to discuss how to secure the of the Third Reich meet to discuss how to secure the ‘‘Final Solution of the Jewish questionFinal Solution of the Jewish question’’..

When Germany conquered Northern and Western When Germany conquered Northern and Western Europe, whose populations were regarded as racially Europe, whose populations were regarded as racially closer to Aryan Germany, on the spot killings were closer to Aryan Germany, on the spot killings were generally rare.generally rare.Puppet regimes or a Reich Commissioner appointed Puppet regimes or a Reich Commissioner appointed as there was no real plan for their governance.as there was no real plan for their governance.Jews were at first subject to the kind of restrictions Jews were at first subject to the kind of restrictions familiar in the Reich. Later, deportations commenced. familiar in the Reich. Later, deportations commenced. Assisted by local administrator and police and others. Assisted by local administrator and police and others. Sent in cattle trucks for Sent in cattle trucks for ‘‘resettlementresettlement’’ in labour in labour and/or family camps in the East.and/or family camps in the East.Rumours of shipment to reservations and Madagascar Rumours of shipment to reservations and Madagascar among other wilder ideas circulating.among other wilder ideas circulating.

The historian Calvocoressi said:The historian Calvocoressi said:

““The attempt to exterminate whole peoples as a The attempt to exterminate whole peoples as a logical consequence of Nazi ideology and the degree logical consequence of Nazi ideology and the degree to which it succeeded was a result of military to which it succeeded was a result of military conquests which placed millions of Jews within the conquests which placed millions of Jews within the Nazi grasp and of the reiterated propaganda which so Nazi grasp and of the reiterated propaganda which so transformed thousands of Germans that they were transformed thousands of Germans that they were able to perform the cruelest of obscenities. Many able to perform the cruelest of obscenities. Many thousands more witnessed them or were otherwise thousands more witnessed them or were otherwise aware of themaware of them’’..

Dr Arthur Nebe,Dr Arthur Nebe,Head of Head of EinsatzgruppenEinsatzgruppen BB

President of InterpolPresident of InterpolEvidence that he tried to Evidence that he tried to minimise the scale of the minimise the scale of the atrocities but his atrocities but his culpability is undenied.culpability is undenied.Accused of being in the Accused of being in the July July ’’44 bomb plot against 44 bomb plot against Hitler, he was tried in the Hitler, he was tried in the PeoplePeople’’s Court and s Court and executed executed –– hanged by hanged by piano wire, 1945.piano wire, 1945.

EinsatzgruppenEinsatzgruppen operations, 1942operations, 1942 Reinhard HeydrichReinhard HeydrichHead of the SD, Architect of the Head of the SD, Architect of the ‘‘Final SolutionFinal Solution’’

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The Wannsee Conference, 20The Wannsee Conference, 20--11--42 42 ((Die EndlDie Endlöösung der Judenfragesung der Judenfrage))

The Final SolutionThe Final Solution

As result of Wannsee (though some evidence now As result of Wannsee (though some evidence now suggests the decision to exterminate the Jews was suggests the decision to exterminate the Jews was confirmed before then), the Nazis moved to establish confirmed before then), the Nazis moved to establish a series of extermination camps in the occupied East.a series of extermination camps in the occupied East.‘‘Operation ReinhardOperation Reinhard’’ –– forced deportations to death forced deportations to death camps at Chelmno, Belzec, Sobibor, and Treblinka; camps at Chelmno, Belzec, Sobibor, and Treblinka; the most infamous was that of Auschwitzthe most infamous was that of Auschwitz--Birkenau.Birkenau.The extermination camps represented a level of The extermination camps represented a level of killing and human misery on an industrial scale.killing and human misery on an industrial scale.

AuschwitzAuschwitz--Birkenau then and nowBirkenau then and now

‘‘Arbeit Macht FreiArbeit Macht Frei’’ Selection at AuschwitzSelection at Auschwitz--Birkenau, 1944.Birkenau, 1944.

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Auschwitz Auschwitz ‘‘Selection RampSelection Ramp’’ Enemies of the ReichEnemies of the Reich

AuschwitzAuschwitz--Birkenau Birkenau ––prisoner prisoner ‘‘accommodationaccommodation’’ Zyklon B gas canisters and human hairZyklon B gas canisters and human hair

Remains of the crematoriaRemains of the crematoria Inside the prison hutsInside the prison huts

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The ovensThe ovens Sonderkommando burning bodies at Sonderkommando burning bodies at AuschwitzAuschwitz--Birkenau, 1944Birkenau, 1944

The crematoria at AuschwitzThe crematoria at Auschwitz--BirkenauBirkenau Meanwhile, offMeanwhile, off--duty, SS staff at duty, SS staff at Auschwitz find time to relaxAuschwitz find time to relax

Victims of Ebensee KZ Victims of Ebensee KZ –– medical medical experiments killed up to 2000 a weekexperiments killed up to 2000 a week Liberated survivors, Ebensee KZLiberated survivors, Ebensee KZ

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Mass grave for unknown victims, Mass grave for unknown victims, BergenBergen--Belsen, 1945Belsen, 1945 Disposing of thousands of victimsDisposing of thousands of victims

Richard DimblebyRichard Dimbleby’’s comments on s comments on Belsen Concentration Camp, 1945Belsen Concentration Camp, 1945Here over an acre of ground lay dead and dying people. You Here over an acre of ground lay dead and dying people. You could not see which was which ... The living lay with their could not see which was which ... The living lay with their heads against the corpses and around them moved the awful, heads against the corpses and around them moved the awful, ghostly procession of emaciated, aimless people, with nothing ghostly procession of emaciated, aimless people, with nothing to do and with no hope of life, unable to move out of your to do and with no hope of life, unable to move out of your way, unable to look at the terrible sights around them ... Babieway, unable to look at the terrible sights around them ... Babies s had been born here, tiny wizened things that could not live ... had been born here, tiny wizened things that could not live ... A mother, driven mad, screamed at a British sentry to give her A mother, driven mad, screamed at a British sentry to give her milk for her child, and thrust the tiny mite into his arms, thenmilk for her child, and thrust the tiny mite into his arms, thenran off, crying terribly. He opened the bundle and found the ran off, crying terribly. He opened the bundle and found the baby had been dead for days.baby had been dead for days.

The annual tally of deathThe annual tally of death

100,000100,00019451945

600,000600,00019441944

500,000500,00019431943

2,700,0002,700,00019421942

1,100,0001,100,00019411941

under 100,000under 100,00019331933––19401940

Jews KilledJews KilledYearYear

Death toll among EuropeDeath toll among Europe’’s Jewss Jews More of the NazisMore of the Nazis’’ crimescrimes

2,5002,500––5,0005,000Jehovah'sJehovah'sWitnessesWitnesses

5,0005,000––15,00015,000HomosexualsHomosexuals80,00080,000––200,000200,000FreemasonsFreemasons

200,000200,000––250,000250,000DisabledDisabled220,000220,000––1,500,0001,500,000RomaniRomani

1.81.8––2 million2 millionEthnic PolesEthnic Poles22––3 million3 millionSoviet POWsSoviet POWs5.9 million5.9 millionJewsJews

KilledKilledVictimsVictims

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ASSIGNING GUILT / PUNISHMENTASSIGNING GUILT / PUNISHMENTDespite the slaughter of millions of people, relatively Despite the slaughter of millions of people, relatively few of those responsible were brought to justicefew of those responsible were brought to justiceNazi Leaders were killed in battle, committed suicide, Nazi Leaders were killed in battle, committed suicide, fled into exile, melted away into the background.fled into exile, melted away into the background.The Allies vowed that they would pursue 'the ranks of The Allies vowed that they would pursue 'the ranks of the guilty to the uttermost ends of the earth' and the guilty to the uttermost ends of the earth' and would deliver them to their accusers 'in order that would deliver them to their accusers 'in order that justice may be done'. Did they?justice may be done'. Did they?Even when caught, the number of executions and life Even when caught, the number of executions and life sentences was relatively few though the Nuremburg sentences was relatively few though the Nuremburg trials were an early showcase of international justice.trials were an early showcase of international justice.Questions were also asked of whether the Allied Questions were also asked of whether the Allied powers were culpable powers were culpable –– eg. why didneg. why didn’’t they bomb the t they bomb the railway tracks to the camps or take in more migrants. railway tracks to the camps or take in more migrants.

ChurchillChurchill’’s Reaction to news of the s Reaction to news of the mass murders at Auschwitz, 1944mass murders at Auschwitz, 1944““There is no doubt this is the most horrible crime ever There is no doubt this is the most horrible crime ever committed in the whole history of the world, and it committed in the whole history of the world, and it has been done by scientific machinery by nominally has been done by scientific machinery by nominally civilised men in the name of a great State and one of civilised men in the name of a great State and one of the leading races of Europe. It is quite clear that all the leading races of Europe. It is quite clear that all concerned in this crime who may fall into our hands, concerned in this crime who may fall into our hands, including the people who only obeyed orders by including the people who only obeyed orders by carrying out the butcheries, should be put to death carrying out the butcheries, should be put to death after their association with the murders has been after their association with the murders has been proved.proved.””

VictorVictor’’s Justice or Retribution?s Justice or Retribution?The Nuremburg trials, 1946The Nuremburg trials, 1946

Josef Kramer Josef Kramer –– the the ‘‘beast of Belsenbeast of Belsen’’"I had no feelings in carrying out these "I had no feelings in carrying out these

things because I had received an order."things because I had received an order."

Irma Grese Irma Grese –– the the ‘‘beautiful beastbeautiful beast’’Youngest woman to be Youngest woman to be executed under English law executed under English law in 2th century in 1945.in 2th century in 1945.Had a sadistic mother who Had a sadistic mother who committed suicide.committed suicide.Had low educational Had low educational attainment and bulliedattainment and bulliedHer father disapproved of Her father disapproved of her Hitler Youth role in her Hitler Youth role in League of German girls.League of German girls.Shouted Shouted ‘‘SchnellSchnell’’ to her to her executioner!executioner!

The Nazi leadershipThe Nazi leadership

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Heinrich Himmler, 1900Heinrich Himmler, 1900--19451945Head of the SS, Gestapo and policeHead of the SS, Gestapo and police

Reichsmarshall Hermann Goering, 1893Reichsmarshall Hermann Goering, 1893--19461946Head of the Head of the LuftwaffeLuftwaffe, PM of Prussia, PM of Prussia

GoringGoringNaturally, the common people don't want war; neither Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the it is the leadersleaders of the country who determine the of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship. ...voice or no voice, the people can dictatorship. ...voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country.works the same way in any country.

Adolf Eichmann Adolf Eichmann ““learned to hate and to learned to hate and to hate in a controlled & impersonal wayhate in a controlled & impersonal way””

A bureaucrat, following orders? A bureaucrat, following orders? Psychopath? AntiPsychopath? Anti--Semite? All 3?Semite? All 3?““The Banality of EvilThe Banality of Evil”” (Arendt) (Arendt) ––abdicating moral choice or exercise abdicating moral choice or exercise of personal autonomy.of personal autonomy.Abducted from Argentina by Abducted from Argentina by IsraeliIsraeli’’s Mossad (causing an s Mossad (causing an international dispute over the international dispute over the legality of this act)legality of this act)Following conviction was the only Following conviction was the only person executed in Israel, 1961.person executed in Israel, 1961.

OTHER CONSEQUENCESOTHER CONSEQUENCESThe UN Convention on Genocide 1948 created but The UN Convention on Genocide 1948 created but the notion of meaningful international justice has the notion of meaningful international justice has been difficult to achieve given little willingness to been difficult to achieve given little willingness to enforce it by the worldenforce it by the world’’s major powers.s major powers.Surviving Jews fled in large numbers to Palestine, Surviving Jews fled in large numbers to Palestine, then a League of Nations British mandate, demanding then a League of Nations British mandate, demanding a a ‘‘Jewish homelandJewish homeland’’ –– Israel created, 1948.Israel created, 1948.Holocaust denial remains evident.Holocaust denial remains evident.NeoNeo--Nazi activity continues in many countries with Nazi activity continues in many countries with periods of upsurge, especially during times of periods of upsurge, especially during times of economic stress, racial and religious tension.economic stress, racial and religious tension.Other genocides have occurred since the Shoah.Other genocides have occurred since the Shoah.

Punishing the Germans Punishing the Germans –– ethnic ethnic Germans expelled at the end of WW2Germans expelled at the end of WW2

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StalinStalin’’s Deportations before, during s Deportations before, during and after WWII and after WWII –– millions diedmillions died Israel Israel –– ‘‘The Jewish StateThe Jewish State’’, 1948, 1948

Holocaust deniersHolocaust deniersDavid Irvine Richard WilliamsonDavid Irvine Richard Williamson

The rise of the neoThe rise of the neo--Nazi right Nazi right ……history set to repeat itself?history set to repeat itself?

Genocide and crimes against Genocide and crimes against humanity continue humanity continue ……..

Cambodia (1970s)Cambodia (1970s)Bosnia (former Yugoslavia) (1990s)Bosnia (former Yugoslavia) (1990s)Iraq/Kurdistan (1980sIraq/Kurdistan (1980s--90s)90s)Rwanda (1990s)Rwanda (1990s)Darfur (2000s)Darfur (2000s)