What was the difference between the Gestapo and the SS in Nazi Germany? I've looked around the internet but I can't get a clear picture of what each entity did.

Question

anonymous · Answer

The Gestapo stands for Geheime Staatspolizei, translated means Secret State Police, which is exactly what they where.

The S.S known formally as The Schutzstaffel translated means roughly defense staff. They where basically a secondary army within the army controlled by Nazi Party officials.

deoxna · Answer

So the Gestapo took care of the political rivals and such of the nazi party? 

Also, which of the two bodies was in charge of the Holocaust?

anonymous · Answer

Yes, and The SS headed up the Holocaust.