# Theodor Eicke

> German SS general, commander of concentration camp Dachau and inspector of the concentration camps (1892–1943)

**Wikidata**: [Q65098](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q65098)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodor_Eicke)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/theodor-eicke

## Summary
Theodor Eicke was a German SS general who served as commander of the Dachau concentration camp and inspector of concentration camps from 1892 until his death in 1943.

## Biography
- Born: 1892-10-17
- Nationality: German
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: German SS general, commander of concentration camp Dachau and inspector of the concentration camps
- Employer(s): Schutzstaffel (SS), Dachau concentration camp
- Field(s): Military, Nazi organization

## Contributions
Theodor Eicke served as commander of the Dachau concentration camp from 1933 until his death in 1943. He established operational standards for concentration camps and implemented policies for their administration. His role as inspector of all concentration camps allowed him to standardize procedures across the Nazi concentration camp system.

## FAQs
- Where has Theodor Eicke worked? He served as commander of the Dachau concentration camp and as inspector of all concentration camps in Nazi Germany.
- What was his role at Dachau? He served as the commander of the Dachau concentration camp from 1933 until his death in 1943, responsible for its operation and administration.
- What awards did he receive? He received multiple Nazi awards including the Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, Iron Cross, SS-Ehrendegen, Eastern Medal, Golden Party Badge, Clasp to the Iron Cross, Anschluss Medal, Sudetenland Medal, SS Long Service Award, and Nazi Party Long Service Award.
- What was his position in the SS? He was a general in the Schutzstaffel (SS) and served as inspector of concentration camps throughout the Nazi regime.

## Why They Matter
Theodor Eicke played a significant role in the systematic administration of Nazi concentration camps. As commander of Dachau and inspector of all concentration camps, he established operational standards and policies that influenced the organization and operation of concentration camps throughout the Nazi regime. His methods contributed to the systematic persecution and murder of millions of people during the Holocaust.

## Notable For
- Commander of the Dachau concentration camp from 1933 until his death in 1943
- Inspector of all concentration camps under the Nazi regime
- Received multiple Nazi awards including the SS-Ehrendegen and various military decorations
- Member of the Schutzstaffel (SS) and served in World War I

## Body
### Early Life and Military Service
Theodor Eicke was born on October 17, 1892. He served in World War I and received the Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 for his service. After the war, he became involved with the Nazi Party and its paramilitary organizations.

### Nazi Career and Rise Through the Ranks
Eicke joined the Sturmabteilung (SA) and later the Schutzstaffel (SS), rising through the ranks to become a general in the SS. His military background and experience in World War I helped him advance within the Nazi organization.

### Concentration Camp Administration
In 1933, Eicke became the commander of the Dachau concentration camp, which was one of the first concentration camps established by the Nazi regime. As commander, he was responsible for the operation and administration of the camp, including the treatment of prisoners and the implementation of camp policies.

### Establishment of Concentration Camp Standards
As inspector of all concentration camps, Eicke established standardized procedures and policies for the operation of concentration camps throughout Nazi Germany. This included guidelines for prisoner treatment, camp administration, and security measures.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Eicke received numerous Nazi awards and decorations:
- Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918
- Iron Cross
- SS-Ehrendegen (honour dagger)
- Eastern Medal
- Golden Party Badge
- Clasp to the Iron Cross
- Anschluss Medal
- Sudetenland Medal
- SS Long Service Award
- Nazi Party Long Service Award
- Honour Chevron for the Old Guard

These awards recognized his service and contributions to the Nazi regime.

### Death
Theodor Eicke died on February 26, 1943, while serving as commander of the Dachau concentration camp. His death occurred during World War II, and he was succeeded by other Nazi officials in his positions.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Dienstaltersliste der Schutzstaffel der NSDAP, Stand vom 1. Dezember 1936
3. TracesOfWar
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Integrated Authority File
8. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands