Short Answer 
Kristallnacht was a pivotal event in which approximately 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and deported to concentration camps following widespread violence and destruction against Jewish properties and individuals. This marked an alarming escalation in Nazi persecution and foreshadowed the Holocaust.
Step 1: Understanding Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, was a significant turning point in the Nazi treatment of Jews. This orchestrated event took place across the Reich and was a response to the assassination of a German official in Paris by a Jewish teenager. The pogrom marked a transition from social discrimination to more violent acts against Jewish people.
Step 2: Violence and Destruction
During this event, violence erupted against Jewish individuals and their properties. Key actions included the following:
- Destruction and vandalism of Jewish-owned shops and homes.
- Public beatings and assaults on Jewish people.
- Massive looting of possessions and valuables.
The chaos and violence left many Jewish families devastated and marginalized, leading to a deep sense of fear in the community.
Step 3: Arrests and Concentration Camps
In the aftermath, a staggering number of Jewish men were arrested. Specifically, an estimated 30,000 Jewish men were taken into custody for the “crime” of being Jewish. They were deported to concentration camps, where they faced inhumane conditions. This event marked a significant escalation in Nazi persecution and foreshadowed the horrors of the Holocaust.