Franz Rademacher, a high-ranking official in the Nazi regime, put forward plans to establish Madagascar as a homeland for Jews, reminiscent of earlier proposals by Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism. Herzl had envisioned the establishment of a Jewish state in various locations, including Argentina and Palestine, but Madagascar became a focal point during the late 1930s as an alternative site following the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. Rademacher's plans were influenced by the increasing pressure from the Nazi government to find a 'solution' for the Jewish population in Europe, particularly as World War II escalated and the persecution of Jews intensified. The Madagascar Plan was discussed within a broader context of Nazi racial ideology, which sought to segregate and remove Jews from German society. Rademacher's proposal involved the forced relocation of Jews to Madagascar, which was then a French colony, making it a complex geopolitical issue as it would require cooperation or agreement from the Vichy French government.

Despite the initial discussions around the Madagascar Plan, logistical challenges and the evolving realities of the war rendered the plan impractical. It was ultimately shelved in favor of more brutal and systematic methods of extermination. Rademacher's proposal is significant as it illustrates the desperation and radical thinking within Nazi circles regarding the 'Jewish question' and highlights the regime's willingness to consider extreme measures before resorting to genocide. The Madagascar Plan remains a chilling example of how systemic anti-Semitism permeated political discourse during this period and reflects the broader attitudes towards Jews in Nazi ideology.