Gestapo facts for kids
The Gestapo was a very powerful secret police force in Nazi Germany. It was created in 1933 by Hermann Göring. Later, in 1934, it came under the control of Heinrich Himmler, who was the leader of the Schutzstaffel (SS).
The name 'Gestapo' is short for Geheime Staatspolizei. This means 'Secret State Police'. This group had the power to arrest anyone they believed was against the government. They could arrest people without fair trials or clear reasons.
Contents
What Was the Gestapo?
The Gestapo was the official secret police of Nazi Germany. A secret police force works to protect the government. They often do this by watching citizens and arresting those who disagree with the government. The Gestapo was known for its harsh methods.
How the Gestapo Started
The Gestapo was formed in 1933 by Hermann Göring. He was a leading member of the Nazi Party. At first, it was a police unit for the state of Prussia. But it quickly grew to cover all of Germany.
Who Was in Charge?
On April 20, 1934, the Gestapo came under the control of Heinrich Himmler. He was the head of the Schutzstaffel (SS). The SS was a large and powerful Nazi organization. In 1936, Adolf Hitler made Himmler the Chief of German Police. This gave him even more power over all police forces, including the Gestapo.
Heinrich Müller later became the chief of the Gestapo from 1939 to 1945. He was in charge of its daily operations.
What Did the Gestapo Do?
The Gestapo's main job was to find and stop anyone who opposed the Nazi government. They had the power to arrest people without warning. They did not need a court order or a good reason. People could be arrested just for speaking against the government. They could also be arrested for not following Nazi rules.
Their Methods
The Gestapo used fear to control people. They would often arrest people in the middle of the night. Those arrested could be held for a long time without trial. This made many people afraid to speak freely. The Gestapo aimed to make sure everyone followed the Nazi Party's ideas.
End of the Gestapo
The Gestapo operated until the end of World War II in 1945. After the war, it was declared a criminal organization. Its leaders and members were put on trial for their actions.
Images for kids
-
Rudolf Diels, first Commander of the Gestapo; 1933–1934
-
1938 Gestapo border inspection stamp applied when leaving Germany.
-
Heinrich Müller, Chief of the Gestapo; 1939–1945
-
Gestapo members in Klatovy, German-occupied Czechoslovakia
-
German Gestapo agents arrested after the liberation of Liège, Belgium are pictured in a cell at the Citadel of Liège, October 1944
See also
In Spanish: Gestapo para niños
