Describe the role of the SS in the years 1933-45
Their original role was an élite force - Hitler's bodyguard who symbolised Nazi racial ideal. For example...
Black uniform, led by Heinrich Himmler, & his deputy Reinhard Heydrich. Had to prove pure Aryan ancestry going back 200 years, new recruits trained in special schools called 'Orders of the Castle', trained to be absolutely ruthless & self-disciplined.
The SS took over German policing, courts and the justice system. For example...
Himmler made Chief of German Police, 1936. Set up special prisons (concentration camps) - at 1st used for political prisoners e.g. Communists, Social Democrats, trade union leaders, increasingly used for 'asocial' types e.g. work-shy, alcoholics, beggars, prostitutes. Model concentration camp was Dachau. Brutal, summary executions.
From 1938 onwards their role was increasingly focused on racial purification. For example...
Kristallnacht 1938 - Jews put in concentration camps for first time. SS in charge of forced emigration - forced Jews to leave Germany. Ended 1939 with outbreak of WW2. Himmler in charge of 'Germanising the East' - death camps (e.g. Auschwitz & Treblinka) built in Poland, the Wannsee Conference (1942) decided on Final Solution, carried out by SS 'Deaths-Head' soldiers in occupied east.
Introduction: Explain who the SS were, and that their role changed....
Originally Hitler's bodyguard but their role expanded enormously, to take control of policing and eventually the extermination of the Jews.
The SS emerged as a personal instrument of Hitler's power on the Night of the Long Knives, 30th June 1934. For example...
Originally part of the SA, but on Night of Long Knives the SS were the executioners who killed Roehm & other SA leaders. As a result, SS were given independence from the SA and become Hitler's personal instrument, owing absolute obedience to Hitler alone.
Conclusion: Sum up key points about role of SS and how their power grew....
SS were the Nazi élite, Hitler's personal instrument, and - more than any other Nazi organisation - they steadily grew in power and influence, greatly feared, in charge of policing and justice, ran the concentration camps, and eventually ran the death camps in WW2
The SS also took control of secret surveillance, looking out for enemies of anyone who might undermined morale by for example grumbling. For example...
The Gestapo = feared 'secret police' run by SS, led by Muller. Used network of block wardens who listened out for grumblers & people who did not show positive attitude. Denunciations. Promotions at work blocked, 'asocial behaviour' became a political crime, sent to concentration camps.
