Initially, the United States had limited knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust. At the time, the atrocities occurred within Germany and Nazi-occupied territories during wartime, making information difficult to obtain and verify. Although American intelligence received reports of Nazi persecution of Jewish people and rumors of genocide, many found it hard to believe due to Germany's perceived high level of civilization. There was also disagreement and debate regarding the level of attention and assistance it was right for the USA to provide given its global commitment. These factors all hindered initial US responsiveness during that timeframe.