The Intelligenzaktion ( " anti-intelligentsia action " ) was a highly secretive genocidal action of Nazi Germany against Polish elites ( primarily intelligentsia ; teachers , doctors , priests , community leaders etc. ) in the early stages of World War II . It was conducted as part of an attempt to complete the Germanization of the western regions of occupied Poland before their planned '' annexation '' . The operation cost the lives of 100,000 Poles according to the Institute of National Remembrance
Intelligenzaktion
Intelligenzaktion
Genocides in history