The Fuhrer has ordered the final solution to the Jewish problem. Those of us in the SS must execute these plans. This is a hard job, but if the act is not carried out at once, instead of us exterminating the Jews, the Jews will exterminate the Germans at a later date.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Orders SS members to execute the Final Solution, claiming it prevents Jewish retaliation.
- In plain terms
- He orders SS men to kill Jews to stop them from harming Germans later.
- What can you take from it?
- Pretext of self-defense is used to justify genocide.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do leaders justify mass violence?
- What stops orders being followed?
Another view
The justification given is historically contested and morally flawed.
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