The Schutzstaffel, commonly known as the SS, was founded as a small paramilitary unit tasked with protecting Adolf Hitler and other high-ranking officials of the National Socialist German Workers' Party. Initially, it consisted of just a few dozen men and was formed in 1925 as a response to the need for enhanced security for Nazi leaders amid growing public unrest and political rivalry in post-World War I Germany. Heinrich Himmler later took command of the SS, significantly expanding its role within the Nazi framework.

As the SS grew in size and influence, it became a central pillar of the Nazi Party. It was not only responsible for the personal protection of party leaders but also took on broader roles, including the enforcement of Nazi laws and the administration of concentration camps. Under Himmler's leadership, the SS transformed from a mere protection squad into a sophisticated organization with numerous subdivisions, including the Allgemeine SS and the Waffen-SS, which combined traditional authority with military functions.

The SS played a crucial role in executing Nazi policies, especially during the Holocaust and World War II. It became infamous for its involvement in war crimes, including the systematic extermination of millions. The organization epitomized the extreme ideological commitment of the Nazi regime and exemplified how a political party could weaponize a paramilitary group to achieve and maintain power.