The Schutzstaffel, commonly known as the SS, was a paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany. Established in 1925, it initially served as a personal bodyguard for Hitler but later expanded its role to include various security and military functions. The SS became notorious for its involvement in the enforcement of Nazi policies, including the persecution of Jews and other groups during the Holocaust. The SS was divided into several branches, including the Allgemeine SS (General SS) and the Waffen-SS (Armed SS). The organization played a significant role in the implementation of the Nazi regime's oppressive measures and was instrumental in carrying out war crimes during World War II. After the war, the SS was declared a criminal organization at the Nuremberg Trials.