ELI5: third reich

// eli5

What was the Third Reich?

The Third Reich was the name Nazi Germany used for their government from 1933 to 1945 [1][2]. It was called the "Thousand-Year Reich" because the Nazis thought it would last for a thousand years, but it only lasted 12 years [1]. The word "Reich" is a German word meaning empire or realm [6].

Why did they call it the "Third" Reich?

Germany had two earlier empires before this one - a medieval and early modern Holy Roman Empire, and then the German Empire that existed before World War I [2]. The Nazis called their government the "Third" Reich because they wanted people to think it was the successor to these earlier powerful German empires [2].

What happened during the Third Reich?

During this time, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler controlled Germany and started World War II [3]. The Nazis did terrible things, including the Holocaust, where they killed millions of Jewish people and others [3]. The Third Reich ended in May 1945 when the Allies defeated Germany in World War II [1].

Why is it important to learn about?

Understanding the Third Reich helps us learn how a government can become evil and hurt millions of people [3][4]. It shows us what can happen when people believe in hateful ideas and follow a leader without questioning them [4].