Boycott of Jewish businesses

The Nazis’ anti-Semitism, which they have never concealed, achieves a new dimension on 1 April 1933 when the state orders a boycott of Jewish business, enterprises, doctors and attorneys. However, the attempt to win the majority of the German population over to ousting Jews from public life does not produce the effect desired by the Nazi leadership.

© PBS-Online During the April 1933 boycott, two SA members guard the entrance to a Jewish-owned leather-goods shop. The sign reads „No respectable German shops here!“

In spite of massive intimidation by SA and SS troops and the public denunciation of „boycott breakers“ as „traitors“, many Germans react noncommittally or even show solidarity to some extent with the affected Jews. Vehement protests from abroad influence NSDAP party leaders to suspend the boycott campaign later that same day.