Who Is Eichmann Responsible For The Holocaust

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Hannah Arendt's book "Eichmann in Jerusalem" is a fascinating and controversial text that explores Adolf Eichmann and his role in the Holocaust. Contrary to the conventional image of Eichmann as a ruthless and bloodthirsty monster, Arendt argues that Eichmann was simply a bureaucrat who followed orders without question. According to Arendt, Eichmann was not a psychopath, nor a serial killer, but simply a man who followed the orders he received from his superiors.
While Arendt argues that Eichmann was not a monster, she also argues that he had real responsibility for the Holocaust. Arendt suggests that although Eichmann did not act out of personal motives, he did have some initiative and responsibility in the implementation of the Holocaust. …show more content…

In the book, Arendt describes how the Nazi establishment manipulated individuals like Eichmann, using propaganda tactics and the suppression of free thought to force them to follow the regime's orders. Arendt argues that Eichmann was trapped in a bureaucratic system in which he followed orders without question, convinced that he was doing the right thing.

Furthermore, Arendt also emphasizes the role of conformism in Eichmann's involvement in the Holocaust. Instead of making decisions and thinking critically, Eichmann simply followed orders to fit into the system. Arendt argues that Eichmann did not have the courage or the ability to think beyond his role in the Nazi regime, and that he did not consider the consequences of his actions.

Another reason Arendt suggests is that Eichmann agreed to the Holocaust because of his obsession with his career and position within the Nazi regime. According to Arendt, Eichmann was an ambitious civil servant who wished to be seen as a good citizen and an efficient worker. Arendt describes how Eichmann worked diligently to improve his position within the Nazi regime, even if it meant following orders he knew were wrong. For Eichmann, his career and position within the Nazi regime were more important than his conscience or personal …show more content…

According to Arendt, Eichmann believed that he was doing a job crucial to the success of the Nazi regime and that his role in the Holocaust was important. Eichmann did not see the dire consequences of his actions and did not question the purpose of his work. Arendt argues that conformism, a lack of critical thinking, personal ambition, and a desire to be considered an "unsung hero" were the main reasons Eichmann agreed to the Holocaust. Arendt argues that Eichmann did not act out of personal motives, but was instead manipulated by the Nazi establishment and his personal ambition to follow orders without