Why Nazi Germany Did Not Expel Jews Instead of Killing Them

One of the frequent questions historians and scholars are confronted with is the strategic decision made by Nazi Germany not to expel the Jews but to systematically kill them during World War II. This decision goes beyond mere policy and reflects the core ideology and existential necessity of Nazism. This article explores this question and highlights historical contexts that inform the answer.

Initial Policies on Jewish Exile

Nazi Germany initially encouraged the emigration of Jews to other countries, viewing it as a way to both rid the state of undesirable elements and benefit financially through the confiscation of Jewish assets. This policy was active until 1939, during which many Jews were indeed able to flee. However, several factors greatly complicated the Jews' efforts to seek refuge.

Firstly, not all countries welcomed Jewish refugees. The British Commonwealth, the United States, and most of South America turned a deaf ear to the pleas for sanctuary. Countries outside of Europe were either unwilling or unable to accommodate large numbers of refugees. The practical challenges of hosting and assimilating such a large and diverse group of people were too daunting for many nations to consider.

Canada’s Example and the Identified Obstacles

For instance, consider the example of Canada. In the 1930s, Canada’s immigration policies were highly restrictive, with quotas limiting the number of people from even Eastern European countries, let alone specific religious or ethnic groups. Canada officially had a quota system that was often bypassed due to global geopolitical pressures, but the sentiment among the population remained hostile, further limiting the number of refugees that could enter.

The political climate in various countries also played a significant role. The rise of anti-Semitic sentiments and discriminatory policies around the world made the external environment inhospitable for Jewish refugees. Portugal, for example, initially accepted a small group of refugees but later imposed restrictions. Similarly, the United States, despite the efforts of groups like the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, ultimately imposed strict quotas that limited Jewish immigration.

Within a year of the war's beginning, the situation shifted dramatically. The Nazi war machine, which had rapidly expanded its territorial control, faced a sudden bottleneck in its expansion plans. The acquisition of new territories meant that the pressure to expel Jews became less urgent and more impractical. Additionally, the industrial-scale nature of the Holocaust became evident within short order, rendering exile a less viable option.

Forced Turnback of Ships

Militarily, the Nazi leadership's focus on warfare and territorial control dictated their actions. For example, in the summer of 1940, the United States turned back several ships carrying Jewish refugees, most notably the SS St. Louis. The ship, which set sail from Hamburg Germany, carried over 900 Jewish refugees, most of them German. The boat was sent back to Europe, eventually landing in Belgium, where many of its passengers were later deported and perished in the Holocaust. This incident, though not representative of all countries, symbolizes the international atmosphere at the time.

France, a traditionally welcoming country to refugees, also contributed to the Jewish plight. Independent France, even before becoming Vichy France, handed over over 10,000 of its own citizens to the Germans. This action, combined with the relative ease of transport and the lack of permanence of emigration in the midst of war, made it difficult for Jews to find stability outside the immediate control of the Nazis.

Conclusion: Existential Necessity and Nazi Ideology

Ultimately, the Nazi policy of extermination was not simply a punitive measure but a core aspect of their ideological and existential beliefs. The Final Solution was seen as a key component in establishing the superiority of the Aryan race and reshaping global history.

It is important to understand the systemic failure that led to the Holocaust as a result of various contributing factors, both domestic and international. The ideological, political, and humanitarian crises of the early 20th century created a perfect storm that allowed for the genocidal policies of Nazi Germany to flourish. From the reluctance of other nations to accept Jewish refugees to the rapid territorial acquisitions of the Nazis, many factors came together to ensure the tragic martyrdom of millions of Jews.