Einsatzgruppen

What were the Einsatzgruppen in the Second World War?

The Einsatzgruppen were special SS units that followed the German Army into Soviet occupied territory.

When were the Einsatzgruppen used in the Second World War?

The Einsatzgruppen operated between 1939 and 1941.

Why were the Einsatzgruppen used in the Second World War?

As the German Army invaded the USSR, the 'Jewish problem' worsened as the Nazis now had more Jews under their control.

Who were the targets of the Einsatzgruppen in the Second World War?

The Einsatzgruppen victims were any civilians regarded as undesirable. This included Jews, communists and gypsies, or Roma.

How did the Einsatzgruppen kill Jewish people in the Second World War?

The Einsatzgruppen rounded up their victims, confiscated their belongings, forced them to remove their clothing and then marched them into fields or forests where they were shot or gassed.

How many people were murdered by the Einsatzgruppen during the Second World War?

Approximately 1.2 million civilians, mostly Jews, had been murdered this way by 1943.

Why did the Einsatzgruppen's activities stop during the Second World War?

There were 2 key reasons why the activities of the Einsatzgruppen stopped:

• ❖ As the Second World War continued, it was seen as a waste of ammunition that was needed to fight the war.
• ❖ It wasn't seen as very effective so the Nazis wanted a more efficient method of mass killing.