Ideology of the SS

The ideology of the SS refers to the idealized values and motivations of the Schutzstaffel (""Protection Squadron""; SS), a huge and powerful paramilitary force of the Nazi Party. Racial purity, fitness, field exercises, and loyalty to Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany played a large part. SS men were indoctrinated with the belief they were members of a master race and trained to be ruthless political warriors. Violence and anti-Semitism were heavily emphasized in the training program, internal literature, and lectures of the SS. The influence of SS teaching resulted in unprecedented atrocities before and during World War II.