THEODOR EICKE
NAME: Theodor Eicke
GENDER: Male
DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH:October 17, 1892, Hampont, France
DATE AND PLACE OF DEATH: February 26, 1943, Kharkiv, Ukraine
OCCUPATION: Commander-In-Chief
Theodor Eicke, Commander-In-Chief, was known to be a brutal, fiery and demanding man. His infamous character possessed qualities in being a successful leader. In his early years, he was intrigued with the Nazi Regime and Hitler's rulings and leadership which led him to join the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) in 1928 and two years later, taking command of the Schutzstaffel in the Dachau Concentration Camp. From then on, he took charge of Dachau and set down his way of leadership. Eicke had a certain way of organising the camp, training the soldiers and had harsh regulations and punishments. Rudolf Hoess, one of the guards at Dachau, later recalled: "I can clearly remember the first flogging that I witnessed. Eicke had issued orders that a minimum of one company from the guard unit must attend the infliction of these corporal punishments. Two prisoners who had stolen cigarettes from the canteen were sentenced to twenty-five lashes each with the whip." Eicke believed that any guard who showed pity towards the prisoners was considered a 'useless weakling.' Theodor Eicke played a significant role in the Holocaust as being the Commander of the SS and founder and establisher of the Dachau Concentration Camp. Evidence of this is seen through an the gates of the Dachau Concentration Camp slogan chosen by Eicke, "Arbeit Macht Frei" – work sets you free.
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Source 1.b.
The video provided was published on June 22nd, 2016. It provides a deeper understanding on Eicke's life, his leadership traits, skills and how he played a significant role in the Holocaust. It is a combination of both primary and secondary sources, using visual literature to convey the ideas proposed. The video also addresses the struggles and hardships the Jews faced whilst in Dachau. The usefulness of this video is commended as it provides information through primary and secondary sources and presents detailed information about Theodor Eicke. |
Source 2.b.Eicke's influence on the organization and spirit of the SS guard formations was second only to that of Himmler. His regulations included precise instructions on solitary confinement, corporal punishment, beatings, reprimands, and warnings. he informed his guards that any pity for enemies of the state was was unworthy of SS men. It is claimed that Eicke said that any man with a soft heart would do well to "retire quickly to a monastery." |
Source 2.b. is a primary source by his biographer, Louis L. Snyder. This quote highlights his leadership style and his solid, fierce character. It addresses his regulations and instructions and demands on being a precise leader. Futhermore, he emphasises on his lack of emotion and sentiment, as he says '...any man with a soft heart would do well to retire quickly to a monastery...' His vicious teachings affected the Jews, as they were punished and mistreated due to the fact that his soldiers looked up to him and followed his actions.
This quotes allows one to explore a deeper understanding of how his actions affected the people involved in the Holocaust and how Eicke focused on physical punishments. |
Source 3.b.
The newspaper article by NEW YORK TIMES, March 4, 1943 states
the death of Theodor Eicke. Eicke was a key figure in the establishments and concentration camps and without him, the SS were worried it was going to cause a downfall of the regime. However, slowly after his death, action was taken to put an end to the Holocaust, which ended two years after his death. This secondary source allows us to understand the death of Eicke, and reinforces his ruthless way of leading during the Holocaust and his status in the Nazi regime.
The newspaper article by NEW YORK TIMES, March 4, 1943 states
the death of Theodor Eicke. Eicke was a key figure in the establishments and concentration camps and without him, the SS were worried it was going to cause a downfall of the regime. However, slowly after his death, action was taken to put an end to the Holocaust, which ended two years after his death. This secondary source allows us to understand the death of Eicke, and reinforces his ruthless way of leading during the Holocaust and his status in the Nazi regime.
Eicke had a formidable reputation among his SS colleagues as a tough and vicious figure. Ever-suspicious, quarrelsome, cruel, humorless, and afflicted with a cancerous ambition. |
Source 4.b.
This particular extract is a secondary source from the book, Soldiers of Destruction written by Charles W. Sydnor in 1977. Charles described Eicke as a tough and vicious figure with a humourless attitude. Reasons behind the selection of this extract was arising from its specific detailing of Theodor Eicke's character and traits towards people and outlines the way Eicke had trained his soldiers. |