The most feared security force of the Nazi State was the Gestapo.

The Gestapo, short for Geheime Staatspolizei (Secret State Police), was the secret police force of Nazi Germany. It was established in 1933 and operated until the end of World War II. The primary role of the Gestapo was to identify and eliminate political opposition to the Nazi regime, as well as to suppress dissent and maintain internal security.

The Gestapo had an extensive network of informants, spies, and surveillance systems, allowing them to infiltrate various aspects of society and monitor individuals suspected of being enemies of the state. This extensive surveillance system instilled a climate of fear and suspicion among the German population, as people were constantly worried about being reported to the authorities for any perceived disloyalty or opposition to the regime.

Key Functions of the Gestapo:
1. Political repression: The Gestapo targeted political opponents of the Nazi regime, including communists, socialists, trade unionists, and members of opposition parties. They carried out arrests, interrogations, and torture to extract information and suppress dissent.

2. Persecution of minority groups: The Gestapo played a crucial role in the persecution and extermination of minority groups, particularly Jews. They were responsible for enforcing anti-Semitic policies, conducting raids, and deporting Jews to concentration camps.

3. Surveillance and intelligence gathering: The Gestapo maintained a vast network of informants and spies, gathering intelligence on individuals and organizations deemed a threat to the Nazi regime. They monitored phone calls, intercepted mail, and conducted searches to collect evidence against suspected enemies of the state.

4. Suppression of resistance movements: The Gestapo targeted resistance movements, such as the White Rose group and the Kreisau Circle, which opposed the Nazi regime. They infiltrated these organizations, arrested members, and executed or imprisoned them.

Methods and Tactics:
The Gestapo employed various brutal methods and tactics to maintain control and instill fear among the population. These included:
- Arbitrary arrests and detentions without trial.
- Torture and brutal interrogation techniques to extract information.
- Secret trials where defendants had no legal representation.
- Informants and spy networks to gather information.
- Propaganda campaigns to create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

Overall, the Gestapo was the most feared security force of the Nazi State due to its extensive powers, ruthless tactics, and ability to suppress dissent and eliminate opposition to the regime. Its activities contributed to the establishment and maintenance of the totalitarian Nazi state, where individual freedoms and human rights were severely curtailed.