Untitled Flashcards Set

Nazi Ideology

Belief system of the Nazis that included ideas of racial hierarchy, the superiority of Aryan Germans, and anti-Semitism.

Lebensraum

Literally means 'living space'; a key goal of Hitler to expand territory for Aryan Germans.

Racial hierarchy

A concept popularized by Hitler, placing Aryan Germans at the top, with Jews considered inferior.

Survival of the fittest

Concept from Darwin's theory misused by Hitler to justify the elimination of 'weaker' races.

Nuremberg Laws

1935 laws that stripped Jews of citizenship and restricted their rights in Germany.

Kristallnacht

A violent pogrom against Jews on November 9-10, 1938, where Jewish homes and businesses were attacked.

Ghettoisation

The process of creating ghettos to isolate and control Jews during the Nazi regime.

Einsatzgruppen

Mobile killing units employed by the Nazis to execute Jews and other undesirables.

Hyperinflation

An economic condition that contributed to the instability of the Weimar Republic, aiding the Nazi rise to power.

Propaganda

Information and misinformation used by the Nazis to manipulate public opinion and instill fear.

Great Depression

Global economic downturn that enhanced social instability, leading to the Nazis' exploitation of public fears.

Warsaw Ghetto

The largest ghetto, where around 400,000 Jews were confined in a small area.

Einsatzgruppen process

The method used by Nazi killing units: rounding up, stripping, and executing victims at mass graves.

1933

The year Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany.

Enabling Act

A 1933 act that gave Hitler total power, effectively establishing a dictatorship in Germany.

Anti-Semitism

Hostility, prejudice, or discrimination against Jews; a central element of Nazi ideology.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty that ended WW1, leading to humiliation of Germany and contributing to the Nazi rise.