I have a quick question. It's about the Holocaust.What kind of people in Germany would support the Holocaust and why? It was so horrible yet Germany still got away with it.

This isn't a quick question. This question has been posed by many people in the last 60 years.

First, the only active supporters of the Holocaust were members of the SS and prison guards and a few violent anti-Semites.

Very few of the German people actually "supported" the Holocaust. Although they may have guessed what was going on, it wasn't until late in the war that very many people actually knew about it. It was easier and safer to ignore the fact that Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, etc. were disappearing.

Remember, Nazi Germany was a repressive dictatorship in which children were encouraged to report their parents to authorities for even minor disagreements with the government. In addition, Germany, as most other European countries had a long history of anti-Semitism and pogroms against Jews. Even the U.S. had strong anti-Semitic elements that limited Jews from pursuing certain professions and severely restricted their access to private clubs, colleges and univeristies. Our government turned away at least one ship loaded with refugees from the Holocaust.

Here's a statement from a prominent Christian clergyman in Germany:

http://www.telisphere.com/~cearley/sean/camps/first.html

thanks so much. now i see this isnt a quick question.

You're welcome.

The Holocaust, one of the most tragic events in history, took place during World War II and was perpetrated by Nazi Germany. It is important to note that not all Germans supported or participated in the Holocaust. However, among those who did, there were several factors that contributed to their support. It is crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity and remember that not all Germans were complicit in these heinous acts.

1. Nazi Ideology: The Nazi regime propagated a racist and anti-Semitic ideology, primarily through propaganda, which aimed to create a pure Aryan race and eradicate those they deemed racially inferior, particularly Jews. This ideology resonated with a portion of the German population who accepted and embraced these beliefs.

2. Propaganda and Indoctrination: The Nazis used a sophisticated propaganda machine to manipulate public opinion and control the narrative. Through media, educational institutions, and rallies, they disseminated anti-Semitic and xenophobic ideas, making it easier for some Germans to be influenced by these ideas. The constant exposure to such propaganda could sway the opinions of many people, even those who may not have initially agreed with Nazi ideology.

3. Fear and Conformity: Germany during the Nazi era was a totalitarian state, where dissent and opposition were met with severe consequences. Many Germans may have supported or remained silent about the Holocaust out of fear of reprisals from the Nazi regime. Noncompliance with official policies could result in persecution, imprisonment, or even death. Being part of a conformist society can exert significant pressure on individuals to conform to the dominant ideology.

4. Economic and Social Factors: In the aftermath of World War I, Germany faced economic hardship, social unrest, and a loss of national pride. The Nazis capitalized on these grievances and promised economic recovery, stability, and a re-established German supremacy. Some individuals, hoping for a better future or seeking to escape poverty, may have supported the Nazis in the belief that their goals aligned with their own interests without fully understanding the extent of the Holocaust.

As for your statement that Germany "got away with it," it is important to acknowledge that after World War II, Germany faced significant international condemnation. The Nuremberg Trials held accountable many high-ranking Nazi officials, and subsequent trials continued to prosecute individuals involved in the Holocaust. Germany, as a nation, has made considerable efforts since then to face its past, take responsibility, rebuild a democratic society, and remember the victims of the Holocaust. However, it is crucial to distinguish between individual responsibility and collective guilt, as not all Germans were complicit in or supportive of the Holocaust.