What was the event known as Kristallnacht, which occurred on November 9, 1938?

Kristallnacht, often referred to as the Night of the Broken Glass, was a pivotal event in the history of Nazi Germany and the Jewish community. On November 9-10, 1938, a widespread, coordinated attack took place against Jews throughout Germany and Austria. This event was characterized by the destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, homes, and synagogues, resulting in shattered glass littering the streets, hence the name "Night of the Broken Glass."

The significance of this event lies in its being a precursor to the larger, systematic violence and persecution that would escalate in the following years, including the Holocaust. The violence was triggered by the assassination of a German diplomat by a Jewish teenager, and it was used by the Nazi regime as a means to incite public violence against Jews and further their anti-Semitic agenda.

While other choices may touch on aspects related to Jewish persecution or violence against Jewish institutions, they do not capture the full scope and recognition of Kristallnacht as a significant turning point in the history of anti-Semitism in Germany. The phrase "Night of the Broken Glass" distinctly highlights the physical destruction and the violent nature of this event, making it the correct and most recognized term for what transpired during that night.