Mitläufer facts for kids

The title of this article contains the character ä. Where it is unavailable or not wanted, the name may be written as Mitlaeufer.

A Mitläufer (pronounced MIT-lay-fer) is a German word that means "fellow-traveler" or "hanger-on." It was used a lot after World War II in West Germany. The term described people who supported the Nazi government in Germany but did not take part in the worst crimes committed by the Nazis.

What is a Mitläufer?

The word Mitläufer helps us understand how different people were involved with the Nazi government. It was used for those who went along with the system, perhaps because they were afraid, or because it made their lives easier. They were not the main leaders or the ones who planned terrible actions. Instead, they were people who followed along with what was happening.

Germany After World War II

After World War II ended in 1945, Germany was in ruins. The Nazi government, led by Adolf Hitler, had caused immense destruction and suffering. Many countries wanted to make sure that such a terrible event would never happen again. They also wanted to deal with everyone who had been involved with the Nazi party.

What Was Denazification?

After the war, the Allied powers (like the United States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union) started a process called denazification in Germany. This process aimed to remove all Nazi ideas and symbols from German society. It also meant removing people who had been part of the Nazi party from important jobs and positions of power.

During denazification, people were questioned about their actions during the Nazi era. They were put into different groups based on how much they had been involved. These groups ranged from major criminals to those who were just followers.

Why Was This Term Used?

The term Mitläufer was important because it helped to sort people. Not everyone who lived in Nazi Germany was a strong supporter or a cruel criminal. Many people simply lived their lives under a harsh government. Some joined the Nazi party because it was required for their job, or they feared what would happen if they didn't.

Different Levels of Guilt

The denazification process tried to figure out how guilty each person was.

• Some people were seen as major criminals who planned or carried out terrible acts.
• Others were considered less guilty, like the Mitläufer. These were people who might have attended Nazi meetings or paid party dues. However, they did not actively hurt others or make important decisions for the Nazi government. They were seen as having supported the system passively.

Learning from History

Studying the term Mitläufer helps us learn about personal responsibility during difficult times. It shows that even small actions, or a lack of action, can have a role in big historical events. It reminds us to think about how we act when faced with unfair or harmful situations. Understanding this term helps us see the many different ways people reacted to the Nazi regime.