Episode 641: Heinrich Himmler Part V - Einsatzgruppen Day

The hosts of "Last Podcast On The Left," Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, and Ed Larson, delve into the grim history of the Einsatzgruppen as part of their Heinrich Himmler series. They begin with dark humor and morbid gift-giving to Marcus in preparation for the difficult subject matter. The discussion covers the historical context, including the annexation of Austria and Czechoslovakia, the rise of the Einsatzgruppen, and the implementation of the Final Solution. They explore the motivations and methods of the Nazis, the involvement of collaborators, and the logistical challenges of mass murder, including the evolution of killing techniques. The hosts also touch on Himmler's personal life and his obsession with racial purity, contrasting the horrific events with moments of dark humor and reflection. They end by previewing the next episode, which will focus on the downfall of the Nazis.