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Hitler Becomes Chancellor
Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in January. Soon after, a nationwide boycott of Jewish businesses was organized, fueling widespread antisemitism and violence. -
Nazi Civil Service Law Passed
The Nazi government passed a law excluding Jews and political opponents from civil service jobs, marking the beginning of state-sponsored persecution of Jews in Germany. -
Nuremberg Laws Stripped Jews of Rights
The Nuremberg Laws formally defined who was considered Jewish and removed German Jews’ citizenship and civil rights. Marriages between Jews and non-Jews were banned. -
Widespread Anti-Jewish Violence
In a government-coordinated attack, Jewish businesses, synagogues, and homes were destroyed across Germany and Austria. Around 30,000 Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps. -
Nazis Launch the Final Solution
The Nazi regime implemented the “Final Solution,” aiming to systematically exterminate Jews, along with Roma, disabled individuals, Poles, Soviets, and others. Concentration camps were used for forced labor and death. -
St. Louis Refugee Ship Turned Away
The MS St. Louis, carrying over 900 Jewish refugees, was denied entry to Cuba, the U.S., and Canada. Many passengers were forced to return to Europe, where some later died in the Holocaust. -
Chelmno Death Camp Opens
Chelmno became the first Nazi death camp. Victims, mainly Jews, were killed in gas vans using carbon monoxide. It was the beginning of mass industrialized murder. -
Auschwitz Expands Mass Killing
Auschwitz became the largest and most notorious death camp. Victims were murdered in gas chambers using Zyklon B. This marked the most deadly phase of the Holocaust.