On November 9th, 1938, the Night of Broken Glass (Kristallnacht) marked a violent chapter in history. Nazi stormtroopers, SS members, and other paramilitary groups instigated widespread violence against Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues throughout Germany. The attacks, coordinated by Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels, were a prelude to the Holocaust, the genocide in which six million Jews were systematically murdered.
The Night of Broken Glass
The Night of Broken Glass, also known as Kristallnacht, was a pogrom against Jews in Nazi Germany and Austria that took place on November 9–10, 1938. The name “Night of Broken Glass” comes from the shattered glass that littered the streets after the attacks.
Precursor Events:
- Nazi rise to power: The Nazi Party came to power in Germany in 1933.
- Persecution of Jews: The Nazis began persecuting Jews through laws and propaganda.
- November 7, 1938: Ernst vom Rath, a German diplomat, was assassinated by Herschel Grynszpan, a 17-year-old Polish Jew.
Events of the Night:
- November 9, 1938: Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Propaganda Minister, delivered a speech inciting violence against Jews.
- Nightfall: Mobs of Nazis and civilians attacked Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues.
- Violence: The attacks included:
- Smashing windows and furniture
- Looting stores
- Burning synagogues
- Beating and killing Jews
Aftermath:
- Arrests: Over 30,000 Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps.
- Property damage: The attacks caused extensive property damage, estimated at over $400 million.
- Human toll: Over 100 Jews were killed during the pogrom.
- International condemnation: The Night of Broken Glass generated widespread international condemnation.
Official Response:
- November 10, 1938: The German government issued a decree forbidding further violence.
- Anti-Jewish measures: However, the government also imposed new measures against Jews, including curfews and restrictions on employment.
Impact:
- Escalation of persecution: The Night of Broken Glass marked a turning point in Nazi persecution of Jews.
- Path to Holocaust: It paved the way for the systematic extermination of Jews during the Holocaust.
Table: Significant Locations Targeted During the Night of Broken Glass
| Location | Number of Synagogues Attacked | Number of Jewish Businesses Damaged |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 20 | 7,500 |
| Vienna | 9 | 4,200 |
| Munich | 11 | 3,000 |
| Frankfurt | 9 | 2,500 |
| Hamburg | 6 | 1,500 |
Question 1:
What was the significance of the Night of Broken Glass?
Answer:
The Night of Broken Glass, also known as Kristallnacht, was a series of anti-Jewish attacks in Nazi Germany on November 9-10, 1938. The attacks were carried out by Nazi paramilitary forces and civilians, and resulted in the destruction of 7,500 Jewish businesses and 267 synagogues, as well as the deaths of 91 Jews.
Question 2:
What were the long-term effects of the Night of Broken Glass?
Answer:
The Night of Broken Glass marked a turning point in Nazi Germany’s persecution of Jews. It increased the climate of fear and intimidation against Jews and made it clear that the Nazis were determined to eliminate them from German society. The attacks also led to the mass emigration of Jews from Germany, and are seen as a precursor to the Holocaust.
Question 3:
How did the German government respond to the Night of Broken Glass?
Answer:
The German government initially ignored the attacks. However, once it became clear that the attacks were widespread, the government ordered the police to intervene. However, the police did not make any significant arrests, and the perpetrators of the attacks were never punished.
Well, folks, that’s a wrap for our stroll through history tonight. Thanks for sticking around and indulging me in a little trip down memory lane. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding the past can help us make better choices for the future. I’ll be here with more fascinating tales, so make sure to stop by again when you’re in the mood for a good read. Until then, keep your heads up, your hearts open, and your appetite for history insatiable. Cheers!