10 Harry Potter Fan Theories Confirmed By JK Rowling
4. The Death Eaters Are Based On The NAZI Party
After years of speculation, Rowling confirmed that the similarities between the Death Eaters and Nazis were intentional. The idea being that having this party rise to power in Britain - a country that had, for the most part, prided itself on tolerance - was a serious blow to morale for the Order of the Phoenix. Not to mention a depressingly realistic depiction of comparable regimes throughout world history.
It helps to give a bit more context to their actions as well, since they aren't just insane supporters of a despot, and instead have their own agency in it. Some of them see the power and look to seize it, while others saw the movement as a way to protect themselves.
The apartheid of pure blood Wizards and Muggle-borns serves as a lesson for the children that read the books (along with the adults who may have needed reminding) of that Orwellian chant from Animal Farm: "all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others".