Refer to Source C. 1. Why did Gestapo officers come to get the children and not ordinary policemen?

This question asks you to consider what the involvement of the Gestapo (the Nazi secret police) rather than ordinary police reveals about the nature of the operation described in Source C. Here are some points to consider: 1. The Gestapo were not like regular law enforcement officers. Ordinary policemen had everyday duties such as maintaining public order or investigating common crimes. In contrast, the Gestapo were a tool of totalitarian control. Their main job was to identify, intimidate, and eliminate any perceived enemies of the Nazi regime. 2. Using the Gestapo for taking children indicates that the operation had a highly political or ideological aim. The regime trusted the Gestapo to carry out orders that were not just about enforcing laws but about transforming society in line with Nazi ideals. It suggests that the children were being targeted not for ordinary criminal reasons but because of their background or the beliefs of their families. 3. The involvement of the Gestapo sent a strong message of fear and coercion. Ordinary policemen might have been seen as more benign or accountable, whereas the Gestapo were notorious for their brutal tactics and secretive methods. Their presence would instill terror and ensure that those affected (and any witnesses) understood the seriousness and political nature of the regime’s policies. 4. Lastly, the use of the Gestapo could also mean that the operation was carried out with little concern for legal procedure or the rights of the individuals involved. This reflects the overall erosion of civil liberties during the Nazi era, where the secret police acted outside the boundaries of normal law enforcement. In summary, Gestapo officers were sent to get the children instead of ordinary policemen because the regime wanted an agent of terror—someone not bound by standard police conduct—to carry out an operation that was politically charged, aimed at enforcing Nazi ideology, and intended to create maximum fear and compliance among the population.