Politics and persecution - an introduction Canada & World War II Politics and persecution - an introduction
Setting the Stage in Europe 1930s saw major changes and conflict in Europe Rise of Fascism in Germany, Italy, Spain Stalin and Communism in Russia Germany still reeling from WWI and Treaty of Versailles Sanctions of treaty severely hindered economic stability and general standard of life
Hitler and Germany’s Resurgence Adolf Hitler: Born in Austria in 1889 Fought in WWI Imprisoned in 1923 for high treason Elected Chancellor of Germany in 1933 Mein Kampf (My Struggle) Book outlining his ideology and plans Political campaign ramped up after release BIG PICTURE: Hitler used scapegoats (Jews, gypsies) as well as the anger WWI caused Germans to motivate Germany
Jewish Persecution in Germany/Europe Hitler named the Jews as primary culprit for the state of Germany after WWI Jewish people had experienced persecution for centuries in Europe, but never to this degree Jews were seen as “inferior race” to Hitler’s “Master Race” (blue- eyed & blonde-haired individuals; a.k.a. “Aryan” race) Nuremberg Laws (1933) Jews became second-class citizens Could not attend public schools; go to theaters, cinema, or vacation resorts; or reside or even walk in certain sections of German cities.
Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) Jewish persecution increased over time More rights were revoked while restrictions increased Kristallnacht November 10th, 1938 “Pogrom” (coordinated attack) on German Jews Jewish synagogues, businesses, homes across Germany were burned/destroyed Police/Government stood by and oversaw the destruction, made no attempt to stop it
Rise of Fascism and Anti-Semitism in Canada Fascist political groups, supporters of Hitler began appearing throughout Canada Increase in anti-Semitist groups and behaviour Jewish people were often unable to get jobs, buy property, join clubs/organizations Canadian people and government unsympathetic
Tale of the S.S. St. Louis May 1939: St. Louis fled from Germany to North America with 907 Jewish passengers Rejected entry by Canada, USA, Cuba, every other Latin country they approached Forced to return to Germany