What Does GESTAPO Stand For?

GESTAPO stands for GEheime STAatsPOlizei German Secret State Police

GESTAPO, an acronym for GEheime STAatsPOlizei, was the official secret police of Nazi Germany. Established in 1933, it played a crucial role in enforcing state security, suppressing dissent, and implementing the regime's policies through intimidation, espionage, and brutal repression. The organization became notorious for its involvement in the persecution of political opponents, Jews, and other marginalized groups, operating with little regard for legal norms and human rights. GESTAPO's activities contributed significantly to the climate of fear that characterized the totalitarian state under Adolf Hitler.