What+is+the+Holocaust?


 * holocaust** - an act of mass destruction and loss of life (especially in war or by fire); "a nuclear holocaust"[|destruction], [|devastation] - the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists.

When //capitalized//, the term **"Holocaust"** refers to the killing of some six million Jews by the Nazis during World War II, from 1941 to 1945. To the Nazis, the Holocaust was the “Final Solution” to the “Jewish problem,” and would help them establish a pure German master race. Much of the killing took place in concentration camps, such as Auschwitz and Dachau. In addition to 6 million European Jews, some 500,000 members of other persecuted groups, such as gypsies and homosexuals were murdered at these same concentration camps. Based on The Free Dictionary, © 2003-2008 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.

If you wish, read 36 Questions About the Holocaust for a detailed history and account of the Holocaust.