Nazism and the Holocaust: Historical Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to Nazism, the Holocaust, and the broader historical context of World War II as discussed in the lecture notes.

Nazism

A political ideology characterized by the belief in a superior Aryan race, anti-Semitism, and the celebration of violence.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government in Germany that was overthrown by Nazi Germany in 1933.

Aryan

The idealized racial identity according to Nazi ideology, often depicted as tall, blonde, and blue-eyed.

Anti-Semitism

Hostility or prejudice against Jews, heavily emphasized in Nazi ideology.

Nuremberg Laws

Racist laws enacted in 1935 that stripped Jews of citizenship in Nazi Germany.

Kristallnacht

A coordinated attack on Jewish property and synagogues throughout Germany on November 9-10, 1938.

Final Solution

The Nazi plan for the systematic extermination of the Jewish people, discussed at the Wannsee Conference in 1942.

Holocaust

The genocide of approximately six million Jews during World War II by Nazi Germany.

SS (Schutzstaffel)

The paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, involved in the enforcement of Nazi policies.

Fascism

A far-right political system characterized by authoritarianism and strong central government often led by a dictatorial leader.

Death Camps

Facilities where mass executions of Jews and other targeted groups were carried out during the Holocaust.

Aryan supremacy

The belief held by Nazis that Aryans were superior to all other races.

Dehumanization

The process of depriving a person or group of human qualities, seen in Nazi ideology towards Jews and other groups.

Resistance Movements

Organizations or groups that fought against Nazi occupation, although they were often rare and risky.

Postwar European Union

A political and economic union established after WWII aimed at preventing the rise of fascism and promoting unity.

Totalitarianism

A system of government that is centralized and dictatorial, requiring complete subservience to the state, exemplified by Nazi Germany.