Exclusion of Jews from German Economic Life

On November 12, 1938, the German government issued the Decree on the Elimination of the Jews from Economic Life (Verordnung zur Ausschaltung der Juden aus dem deutschen Wirtschaftsleben). The decree barred Jews from operating retail stores and mail-order businesses, as well as from engaging in a trade. The law also forbade Jews from selling goods or services at markets, trade fairs, and exhibitions.

This decree was one of many that the Nazi regime enacts in the aftermath of the nationwide anti-Jewish riot known as Kristallnacht. Combined, these laws and decrees almost completely removed Jews from German economic and social life. They signaled a serious escalation in the Nazis’ anti-Jewish policies. The goal was to use any means available to force Jews to leave Nazi Germany and to confiscate as much of their property and wealth as possible.