Kristallnacht
Why were the events that took place on
November 9, 1938, called Kristallnacht?
People recognized that Nazis were forcing
Jewish people from Germany.
The windows of many Jewish-owned
businesses were broken.
O Many Jewish people were thrown in jail and
later released
DONE
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The events that took place on November 9-10, 1938, are called Kristallnacht, which translates to “Crystal Night” in English. This name refers to the widespread destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, and homes during this violent pogrom. The term “Kristallnacht” specifically highlights the broken glass that littered the streets following the attacks on these properties.
On that night, thousands of Jewish businesses were vandalized, and approximately 200 synagogues were set on fire across Germany and Austria. This coordinated violence was not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of escalating anti-Semitic sentiment and policies enacted by the Nazi regime. The Nazis had been systematically discriminating against Jews since coming to power in 1933, with laws that restricted their rights and livelihoods. Kristallnacht marked a significant turning point as it transitioned from legal discrimination to open, violent persecution.
The attacks were initiated by the Nazi Party but were also supported by civilians. The police and fire departments were ordered to stand down, allowing the violence to unfold without intervention. Following the pogrom, about 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps, where many endured brutal treatment.
Kristallnacht served as a wake-up call for the international community, as it exposed the extent of Nazi hostility towards Jews. It marked the beginning of a more aggressive phase of anti-Semitic policy that would lead to the Holocaust, during which six million Jews were murdered. The events of Kristallnacht are remembered as a tragic reminder of the consequences of hatred and intolerance, underscoring the importance of vigilance against such ideologies in society.