What was the purpose of the M.S. St. Louis passengers' voyage?

The M.S. St. Louis was a ship that carried Jewish refugees from Germany to seek asylum from increasingly oppressive laws and societal conditions imposed by the Nazi regime during the late 1930s. These laws included significant restrictions on the rights and freedoms of Jewish people, which escalated to violent persecution. The voyage aimed to provide a means of escape from this dire situation, making the choice to leave Germany a matter of urgency for the passengers.

The context of this voyage highlights the historical backdrop of the time, as many Jewish individuals were attempting to flee Nazi Germany before the outbreak of World War II and the Holocaust, which would lead to the systematic extermination of millions. Understanding this critical period in history underscores why leaving Germany due to repressive laws was the primary motivation for the passengers on the M.S. St. Louis. Their hope was to reach safety and seek a better future, which ultimately was denied to many of them during this tragic chapter in human history.