Prewar Nazi Germany: Early Stages of Persecution SA men carrying banners that say “Germans! Defend yourselves! Do not buy from Jews!” (During anti-Jewish boycotts. Berlin, Germany. April 1933)

 Study of the Holocaust assists students in developing an understanding of the roots and ramifications of prejudice, racism, and stereotyping in any society.  The Holocaust provides a context for exploring the dangers of remaining silent, apathetic, and indifferent in the face of the oppression of others.  A study of these topics helps students to think about the use and abuse of power, and the roles and responsibilities of individuals, organizations, and nations when confronted with civil rights violations and/or policies of genocide.  The Holocaust was not an accident in history—it occurred because individuals, organizations, and governments made choices that not only legalized discrimination but also allowed prejudice, hatred, and ultimately, mass murder, to occur.  Thinking about these events can help students to develop an awareness of the value of pluralism and encourages acceptance of diversity in a pluralistic society. Why Teach the Holocaust?

1935 – The Nuremberg Race Laws At annual party rally held in Nuremberg in September 1935, Nazi leaders announced new laws that stripped Jews of their German citizenship and prohibited them from marrying/having sexual relations with someone with “German or related blood.” In addition, Jews were disenfranchised and could not hold public office Other regulations were enacted that reinforced the message that Jews were outsiders. Chart representing Nuremberg laws. With figures representing Germans, Jews, and Mischlinges (part-Jewish)

1936 – The “Nazi Olympics” August 1-16, 1936: Summer Olympic Games held in Berlin, Germany. This was the world’ first (staged) look at the Third Reich. The Nazi’s toned down public anti- Jewish activities and rhetoric. Anti- Jewish signs were temporarily removed, etc. In response to pressure from foreign Olympic delegates, Germany included a few athletes who were part Jewish on Olympic team. The Berlin Olympics were considered a propaganda success for the Third Reich. Nazi flags and Olympic flags along the streets of Berlin.

1938 –Kristallnacht and “Aryanization” The Boerneplatz synagogue in flames during Kristallnacht (the "Night of Broken Glass"). Frankfurt am Main, Germany, November 10, Nov. 9-10, 1938: Kristallnacht- “Night of Broken Glass.” Violent anti-Jewish pogroms throughout Germany, Austria, and in parts of Sudetenland and Czechoslovakia. Synagogues burned, Jewish shops destroyed and looted, Jews killed and arrested and sent to concentration camps Jews had to change their names, carry identification cards at all times, and have a “J” stamped on their passports. “Aryanization” paved the way for more radical persecution

References: For Teachers: Teaching about the Holocaust. (n.d.). United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Retrieved November 16, 2012, from