Persecution of Roma

What was the Nazi persecution of Roma?

The Nazi persecution of Roma, or gypsies, was the attack on a group of people that were itinerant (moved around) and were considered inferior. The nature of the persecution escalated over time.

Why did the Nazis target Roma Gypsies for persecution?

The Nazis persecuted Roma, or gypsies, because they saw them as 'Untermenschen' or sub-human. The Roma tended to move around and the Nazis believed they did not contribute enough to society.

When did the Nazi persecution of Roma begin?

The Nazi persecution of Roma or gypsies started in 1933 and continued to 1945.

How were Roma Gypsies targetted by Nazi persecution?

There were 6 key stages in the persecution of Roma, or gypsies:

• ❖ After Hitler became chancellor, more Roma were arrested and sent to concentration camps.
• ❖ Many Roma, or gypsies, were forcibly sterilised so they could not have children.
• ❖ Some Roma, or gypsies, were held in special camps from 1936.
• ❖ The Decree for Combating the Gypsy Plague was issued by Himmler on 8th December, 1938. This set up a nationwide database of all Roma. It was used to round up Roma and put them in concentration camps.
• ❖ In October 1939, a decree was issued banning the movement of Roma, or gypsies.
• ❖ The Decree for the Resettlement of the Gypsies was passed on 27th April, 1940 and aimed to deport all Roma from Germany within one year.