Kristallnacht Pogrom Analysis

Within the 1930s, anti-semitism was something that was very prominent throughout Europe. In Germany at this time, not only were citizens filled with hatred towards Jews, but the government had very strong anti-semitic roots. In 1938, the Kristallnacht pogrom occurred. There was a large outburst of anger against the Jews living in Germany that was organized by the government, and Jews were attacked by Nazis and citizens alike. The pogrom was designed specifically to harm Jews and included large amounts of chaos and disorder. In Alan Steinweis’ book, Kristallnacht 1938, he addresses why the Kristallnacht Pogrom happened when it happened and the causes of the pogrom, ways in which the pogrom differed from previous Nazi anti-Jewish policies, and …show more content…
Though anti-semitism was found all throughout Eastern Europe, Germany held a strong portion of it. In the past, German Jews had dealt with pogroms throughout the country, as well as systematic oppression (Steinweis, 13). Many German Jews did want to pursue emigration, but there were many issues to this potential solution (Steinweis, 104). One issue that presented itself was throughout Europe, there was an abundance of anti-semitism and many could not find a country that would take them (Steinweis, 104). Due to the lack of movement of the Jews, Hitler was aware that he eventually had to find somewhere for them to go (Steinweis, 99). Frequently, Hitler spoke with a man named Joseph Goebbels, who was the Reich Minister of Nazi Germany at the time (Steinweis, 99). Sometime after the pogrom, Goebbels and Hitler spoke on the matter (Steinweis, 104). Hitler knew that there needed to be “decisive steps” towards the “settlement” of the Jewish question (Steinweis, 104). Goebbels agreed with Hitler and added that Jews should be excluded from “Aryans” as much as possible, especially within the public (Steinweis, 105). An example that he provided of this included measures that would prohibit Jews from sharing spaces with Aryans, such as in railroad compartments, public swimming pools, and schools (Steinweis, 105). The idea of the public segregation of Jews quickly was put into effect (Steinwies, 107). Not long after, there was an “Order for the Exclusion of Jews from German Economic Life” (Steinweis, 107). This included the terrorizing of German Jews in order to compel them to leave Germany, as well as leaving their property to the “Aryans” (Steinweis, 107). This triggered more Jews to attempt to leave Germany, but they also had to deal with the intense immigration restrictions throughout Europe as well as in countries such as the United