The History of the Twentieth Century 420 A Contintent-Wide Crime
Oct 5, 2025
The podcast delves into the chilling reality that the Holocaust was a continent-wide crime, involving collective responsibility across Europe. It explores how various nations implemented their distinct anti-Jewish policies, detailing local collaborations in occupied territories. Fascinating contrasts emerge with Italy and Finland's initial refusals to deport Jews, juxtaposed with the Ustase regime's brutal campaigns in Croatia. Discussion includes the ambiguous roles of neutral countries, the Vatican, and the Allies’ restrained responses, highlighting a complex web of complicity and resistance.
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Holocaust As A Continent-Wide Project
- The Holocaust was a continent-wide crime with local variants rather than solely a German enterprise.
- Dan Stone argues Berlin encouraged interlocking, locally managed genocides across Europe.
Local Politics Shaped Persecution Outcomes
- Collaborating governments showed wide variation in enthusiasm and methods for persecuting Jews.
- In some countries local elites or institutions limited Nazi options, producing uneven outcomes.
Occupation Type Altered Implementation
- Western European occupations allowed local governments to function, altering how persecution played out.
- In the East, Nazi rule dismantled states, enabling more direct, brutal SS operations.
