The use of terror through the SS, Gestapo and law courts

The SS (Schutz-Staffel)

• created as Hitler's personal bodyguards

• consisted of fully German Aryan men 

• wore black uniforms

• had an elite army unit in World War Two that was called the Waffen SS.

• in charge of patrolling concentration camps

• played a part in the Night of the Long Knives (assisted in executing SA leaders)

The Gestapo 

• a secret police force controlled by the SS

• had the power to bug phones and intercept mail

• had a network of informers who reported on anti-nazi activity (including telling anti-nazi jokes or refusing to take part in Nazi celebrations)

Law Courts

• Controlled by the Nazi Party

• Only consisted of Pro-Nazi judges

• A fair trial was impossible. Many sentenced to death.

Aryan: a tall, blonde haired and blue eyed German