Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The Nazis saw absolutely no difference between what they were doing in Eastern Europe and what the United States had done to the Native Americans." — Ed Larson
"The final solution to the Jewish question was always going to involve murder long before the order was given." — Ed Larson
"The mass wanton murder, like in the end, doesn't work. No, it does not. It never has. And it never will." — Marcus Parks
This episode of Last Podcast on the Left delves deeply into the horrifying operations of the Nazi Einsatzgruppen, focusing on their genesis and implementation under the direction of Heinrich Himmler and his subordinate Reinhard Heydrich. The discussion traces the evolution of these mobile killing units from their initial roles following the annexations of Austria and Czechoslovakia to their central function in the systematic extermination campaigns across Eastern Europe. The transcript highlights the strategic use of propaganda, the psychological conditioning required for mass murder, and the logistical challenges of disposing of countless bodies. Key events such as Kristallnacht and the subsequent pogroms are examined as precursors to the larger-scale operations of the Einsatzgruppen, demonstrating the gradual normalization of violence against Jewish populations. The episode also touches upon the broader context of Nazi expansionism, including the invasion of Poland and the eventual betrayal of the non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union, underscoring the relentless pursuit of "Lebensraum" and the "Final Solution."
The narrative emphasizes the methodical and often industrialized nature of the Nazi regime's atrocities. The Einsatzgruppen, initially formed as "action groups," were transformed into specialized extermination squads tasked with eliminating perceived enemies of the Reich, including Jews, communists, and other targeted groups. The episode details various horrifying tactics employed by these units, from mass shootings to the experimentation with mobile gas chambers. It also explores the internal dynamics within the SS, including Himmler's own meticulous control and the psychological toll on the perpetrators, noting the rare instances of breakdown or defiance, though often met with further brutalization. The comparison drawn between Nazi actions and historical colonial genocides, particularly in the Americas, serves to contextualize the motivations and perceived justifications of the Nazi leadership.
Throughout the episode, the scale and brutality of the Einsatzgruppen's operations are laid bare, with specific examples like the Babi Yar massacre illustrating the horrific efficiency of their methods. The discussion touches upon the logistical support provided by the Wehrmacht, the exploitation of local collaborators, and the ultimate goal of depersonalizing mass murder. The episode concludes by setting the stage for the industrialization of the Holocaust through concentration camps and the eventual entry of the United States into World War II, framing the ongoing narrative as a lesson about the dangers of unchecked ideology and systematic dehumanization.