\Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State,"" a speech presented last night by Northwestern University Professor Peter Hayes, examined interactions between German business and the Nazis. The presentation explored the implications for modern corporate businesses that cooperated with the Nazi party and profited from the Holocaust.
""These events did not develop from a primitive society,"" said Hayes. ""This [Holocaust] developed from a modern, civilized, intellectual state.""
Degussa, a chemistry products corporation, was one of many companies that profited from business deals with the Nazis. The company originally assisted in the separation of Jewish property, especially gold and silver.
By 1934 Degussa also produced Zyklon B, a poisonous gas used for killing, and carbon black, a soot-like substance that increased rubber durability and assisted Germany in becoming less dependent on international trade in wartime. Today Degussa produces 15 percent of the world's Carbon Black, used commonly in tires. Degussa accumulated 13.9 billion euros in total assets for 2004.
""The Holocaust made a profit of 60 million Reich marks from slave labor and stolen property,"" said Hayes. ""The Nazis could not do this alone.""
Hayes also discussed the thought processes and mental states of those who complied with the Nazis, asking how a civilized nation could participate in mass murder. He said it was ultimately a decision of self-interests against moral interests. Similar to decisions made in modern society, people made practical choices, only under severe circumstances. By choosing to cooperate with Nazis, he said, businesses were not threatened by the government and people within those businesses chose to comply out of fear for themselves, their families and their jobs.
Some companies made large profits, however, and also did not act in humane ways, especially in areas of slave labor.
According to Hayes, similar moral decisions are made in today's society, but often under different circumstances. Those accused of corruption within big businesses often succumb to pressure from higher authorities.
""It's very interesting and informative,"" said UW-Madison sophomore Eyal Halamish, ""and it's great to see individuals get involved in active learning for a greater understanding of the tragedies in human history.""
""We're really trying to increase awareness about the holocaust,"" said Joel Bennett, Chair of the Jewish Cultural Collective, who co-sponsored the event. ""These events educate and help today's students connect with the past.""
