Question

What was the original purpose of the SS?

to eliminate German unions
to punish communists
to intimidate the German population
to limit the rights of women

Answer 1

None of the above. The SS (Schutzstaffel) was originally formed in the mid-1920s as Adolf Hitler’s personal protection squad — a small elite unit to guard Nazi leaders and provide security at party events. It later expanded into a large security, police and racial policy organization that carried out intimidation, repression (including against communists and unions) and mass atrocities.