🛑3.2 The Police State

Question 1

Q1: What was the Gestapo?

Answer 1

A1: The Gestapo was the secret police of Nazi Germany, used to spy on and arrest opponents. They could imprison people without trial.

Question 2

Q2: What was the SS, and who led it?

Answer 2

A2: The SS (Schutzstaffel) was an elite Nazi force led by Heinrich Himmler, responsible for security, surveillance, and running concentration camps.

Question 3

Q3: How did the Gestapo and SS control German society?

Answer 3

A3: They spread fear, encouraged people to inform on neighbours, and eliminated opposition.

Question 4

Q4: How did the Nazis change the court system?

Answer 4

A4: Courts were brought under Nazi control — judges had to swear loyalty to Hitler, and trials were biased against enemies of the regime.

Question 5

Q5: What happened to people accused of opposing the Nazis?

Answer 5

A5: Many were sent to prison or concentration camps without a fair trial.

Question 6

Q6: Who was imprisoned in concentration camps during the early years?

Answer 6

A6: Political opponents (e.g. communists, trade unionists), Jews, homosexuals, and others the Nazis saw as threats.

Question 7

Q7: What was the purpose of concentration camps under the police state?

Answer 7

A7: To intimidate, punish, and remove opposition to Nazi rule.