Thread by @MikeStuchbery_

Actually it's both, Ben. The Nazis began by 'restoring order' from a perceived state of anarchy by arbitrarily placing their opponents - in fact anyone who looked like an opponent - in 'schutzhaft', or protective custody.

https://twitter.com/benshapiro/status/1284155167160406016

Those picked up weren't placed into ready-made camps. Dachau was created out of a disused brick factory, for instance.

Instead socialists, communists and other opponents were kept in prisons, police stations and anywhere that could hold them, as SA guarded them.

Some of these opponents were released from 'schutzhaft' for various reasons very quickly. Some with powerful friends pulled strings, for instance.

Others were beaten and released, both to relieve pressure on overcrowded makeshift barracks, and to send s message to others.

Much of the German populace saw this as much-needed firmness, and a restoration of order after increasing violence between Nazis and their left-wing opponents.

A good example of this is the 'Bloody Sunday' in Altona in 1932 - today is the anniversary.

After the police allowed Nazis to march through left-wing neighbourhoods in Altona, fighting broke out. Most who died were killed when the police opened fire on those involved in the brawling.

You can see why many saw the presence of SA arresting those seen as agitators, as a step towards peace and order.

Instead, it was paving the way towards the systematic slaughter of those who didn't fit the profile of Hitler's German race.

Fascism doesn't start with the cattle car, Ben. That's the endgame.

Sorry, not brick - ammunition factory. Just making that clear.