Timeline: Holocausts

Jan 30, 1933

Adolf Hitler Becomes Chancellor

The Nazi party assumes control of the German state when German President Paul von Hindenburg appoints Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler as Chancellor

Feb 28, 1933

Reichstag Fire Decree

The day after the German parliament (Reichstag) a building burned down due to arson.

Apr 1, 1933

Anti-Jewish Boycott

Nazi leadership stages an economic boycott targeting Jewish-owned businesses and the offices of Jewish professionals.

Apr 7, 1933

Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service

The German government issues the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service, which excludes Jews and other political opponents of the Nazis from all civil service positions.

Apr 25, 1933

Law Limits Jews in Public Schools

The German government issues the Law against Overcrowding in Schools and Universities, which dramatically limits the number of Jewish students attending public schools.

May 10, 1933

Book Burning

On May 10, 1933, university students burn upwards of 25,000 “un-German” books in Berlin’s Opera Square.

Jul 14, 1933

Law for the "Prevention of Offspring with Hereditary Diseases"

The German government passes the “Law for the Prevention of Offspring with Hereditary Diseases”, mandating the forced sterilization of certain individuals with physical and mental disabilities.