Activity 6: Stamping Out the Opponents

Another factor of a fascist dictatorship is the violent and brutal ways of keeping down its opposition.

Anti-fascists, Communists and Trade Unionist were rounded up at the beginning of the Nazi regime.

The first people taken to concentration camps were the political prisoners. They were taken to Dachau from 1933 onwards. These groups were taken before the Jews.

Wherever the Nazis occupied, they always targeted political opponents.  Here is a picture of political prisoners in Czechoslovakia being kept in the camp at Theresiendstadt.  They are standing in formation as they re-enter the camp after a day of forced labour.

• Why do you think the Nazis targeted the political opponents first?

Use the statements below to focus your discussion. Decide which ones you agree and disagree with:

• The Nazis hated communists more than Jews.
• The Nazis thought most communists were Jews.
• The Nazis wanted to prevent their opponents from influencing public opinion.