Nazi plunder refers to art theft and other items stolen as a result of the organized looting of European countries during the time of the Third Reich by agents acting on behalf of the ruling Nazi Party of Germany. Plundering occurred from 1933 until the end of World War II, particularly by military units known as the Kunstschutz, although most plunder was acquired during the war. In addition to lucre, such as silver and currency, cultural items of great significance were stolen, including paintings, ceramics, books, and religious treasures. Although many of these items were recovered by the Allies immediately following the war, many more are still missing. Currently, there is an international effort underway to identify Nazi plunder that still remains unaccounted for, with the aim of ultimately returning the items to the families of their rightful owners.
Read more about Nazi Plunder: Systematic Nazi Looting, Nazi Looting Organizations, Soviet Union, Poland, The Führermuseum, The Hermann Göring Collection, Nazi Storage of Looted Objects, Effects of Nazi Looting Today
Famous quotes containing the words nazi and/or plunder:
“He’s leaving Germany by special request of the Nazi government. First he sends a dispatch about Danzig and how 10,000 German tourists are pouring into the city every day with butterfly nets in their hands and submachine guns in their knapsacks. They warn him right then. What does he do next? Goes to a reception at von Ribbentropf’s and keeps yelling for gefilte fish!”
—Billy Wilder (b. 1906)
“True, we’re not great thieves, like the nobles. Our robberies are petty compared to the wholesale plunder of the nation.”
—Sonya Levien (1895–1960)