German Persecution of Jews

Jewish people removed from public office and professions

1933

• School lessons to reflect the view that Jewish people were 'Untermensch'.
• On 1 April 1933, a boycott of Jewish shops and other businesses took place.
• SA officers actively encouraged Germans to avoid entering Jewish places of work.
• Many Jewish shops were vandalised.

Introduction of the Nuremberg Laws

1935

• These laws removed many Jewish rights. • They defined a Jew as anyone with three or more Jewish grandparents. Four German grandparents were needed to be classified as German. • Jewish people were denied the right to be German citizens. • Marriage and relationships between Jewish people and Germans became illegal.

Creation of More Anti-Jewish Laws

1938

• Jewish people were banned from becoming doctors.
• Jewish people had to carry identity cards which showed a 'J' stamp.
• Jewish children were denied education and banned from schools.
• Jewish men had to add 'Israel' to their name, women had to add 'Sarah'.

Kristallnacht

1938

On the night of the 9 November 1938, Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues were attacked throughout Germany and Austria.
○ Around 7,500 Jewish shops were damaged or destroyed and 400 synagogues were burned to the ground.
○ Almost 100 Jewish people were killed and 30,000 were sent to concentration camps.

1939 Laws

1939

Jewish people were banned from owning businesses.
• The first ghettoes (segregated housing within towns, with a controlled entrance and exit) were opened in Eastern Europe to separate Jewish people from ‘ordinary’ citizens.
• Star of David Emblem: On 23 November 1939 Jewish people were ordered to wear the Star of David on their clothes. This helped identify them more easily.