The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its allies during World War II. It took place from 1941 to 1945, driven by the belief in the racial superiority of the Aryan race and the desire to eliminate those deemed "undesirable," including Jews, Roma, disabled individuals, and others. The Holocaust involved the establishment of concentration camps, where many were imprisoned, forced into labor, and killed. Notable sites include Auschwitz, which became a symbol of the atrocities committed. The Holocaust remains a significant event in history, serving as a reminder of the dangers of hatred and intolerance.