410. The Nazis in Power: The Night of Broken Glass (Part 7)
Jan 18, 2024
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In November 1938, Nazi Germany descended into chaos as anti-Semitic policies brutally intensified. The Night of Broken Glass marked a horrifying escalation, with synagogues destroyed and Jewish professionals targeted. The assassination of a Nazi official unleashed a wave of violence against Jewish communities. Historians critique the ideological motivations of the SS, revealing how societal complicity fueled these acts. Speculative narratives suggest grim alternatives for Jewish displacement, emphasizing the calculated oppression that trapped many during this dark era.
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Quick takeaways
Kristallnacht marked a turning point in Nazi persecution of Jews, with widespread violence and destruction.
Hitler's prophetic speech on the anniversary of his appointment as Reich Chancellor revealed his intentions to annihilate the Jewish race if another world war occurred.
Deep dives
The Night of Broken Glass: The Pogrom Against Jews in Germany
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, which took place in Germany in 1938. The episode delves into the events leading up to Kristallnacht, explaining the escalating Nazi persecution of Jews and the anti-Semitic sentiments prevalent in Germany at the time. The podcast details the violent and destructive acts committed during Kristallnacht, including the looting of Jewish businesses, the destruction of synagogues, and the attack on Jewish individuals and families. The episode also touches on the subsequent economic measures imposed on Jews, such as fines and exclusion from German economic life. The podcast concludes by examining the significance of Kristallnacht, its aftermath, and the implications it had for the fate of Jews in Germany and Europe.
Hitler's Prophecy of Annihilation
This podcast episode highlights Hitler's reaction to Kristallnacht and his subsequent speech to the Reichstag on the anniversary of his appointment as Reich Chancellor. The episode underscores Hitler's prophetic statement in his speech, where he predicts the annihilation of the Jewish race in Europe if another world war breaks out, blaming Jews for the potential conflict. The podcast examines the implications of Hitler's statement, emphasizing his intention to carry out the prophecy he made. The episode also reflects on the broader historical context, including the upcoming war and the Nazi regime's plans for the elimination of Jews.
The Immediate and Long-Term Consequences of Kristallnacht
In this podcast episode, the speaker delves into the immediate and long-term consequences of Kristallnacht. The episode highlights the devastating impact of the pogrom on Jewish individuals and communities, recounting numerous examples of violence, destruction, and persecution. It discusses the bureaucratic measures implemented after Kristallnacht, such as the stripping of citizenship rights, economic penalties, and segregation of Jews from German society. The podcast also explores the international response to Kristallnacht, with a focus on editorials and public opinion in Britain. The episode concludes with a reflection on the significant role Kristallnacht played in further solidifying Nazi anti-Semitic policies and foreshadowing the genocide of European Jewry.
The Role of Propaganda and Indoctrination in Kristallnacht
This podcast episode examines the role of propaganda and indoctrination in shaping the events of Kristallnacht. It highlights the Nazi regime's use of anti-Semitic rhetoric to fuel hatred towards Jews and justify their persecution. The episode emphasizes the impact of indoctrination on German society, as ordinary citizens actively participated in the violence and destruction during Kristallnacht. It also explores the media coverage of the pogrom and the international reactions to the events. The podcast concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of propaganda and indoctrination in the Nazi regime's pursuit of its anti-Semitic agenda.
By November 1938 the scene in Germany was at its darkest yet, as the full scale of Hitler’s intentions for the Jewish population of the German Reich was becoming evermore apparent. As the threat of another world war increased, so the Nazi anti-semitism machine went up a gear. Synagogues were destroyed, Jewish businessmen, bureaucrats, lawyers and doctors disbarred, plans were made for a mass expulsion of Jews from Europe. But the worst was yet to come, as the assassination of a German official in Paris in late 1938 instigated the most savage wave of Jewish persecution in Germany so far…
Join Dominic and Tom as they discuss the build up to Krystallnacht - the Night of Broken Glass - and the diabolical destruction, brutality and violence that ensued. By the end of 1938, Hitler’s two dearest ambitions, an apocalyptic victory over the Jewish people and the conquest of Europe itself, seemed terrifyingly within reach.
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Tom and Dominic are back onstage this summer, at Hampton Court Palace in London!
