The holocaust
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Genocide Systematic elimination of a specific group of people based on race, religion, ethnic background, cultural group, etc. Can involve any of the following: Killing Bodily or mental harm Intentional destruction of living conditions Preventing new births Removing children and “transferring” them to another group of people Source: USHMM.org
dehumanization Stripping people of all human qualities including, but not limited to, civil rights, housing, employment, religion, and nutrition Jews were required to wear the Star Of David at all times so they could be easily identified
dictatorship One leader has total control of all political decisions Leader does not seek nor take advice, suggestions, input, etc. from anyone else Harsh measures are usually taken to ensure power remains with the leader Often consists of “brainwashing” individuals
Adolf hitler Believed in the ideal “Aryan” race (100% German or Northern European, light hair, light eyes); thought to be superior to all other races Thought any other races were tainting the country Planned on expanding German civilization as far as possible Eventually wanted to “take over the world” Was adored by his followers and had no trouble building an army Like to be called “Fuhrer” (“father,” “leader”) by his people
KristallNacht “The Night of Broken Glass,” November 9th-10th, 1938 Destruction of Jewish businesses, synagogues, some Jewish homes and people
Key terms Ghetto: specific, barricaded areas set up specifically for Jews, who were involuntarily relocated Concentration camp: “camps” set up by the Nazis; used for labor, transit, or extermination Gas chamber: large, sealed rooms that were packed with people and filled with gas that killed slowly Crematorium: large ovens used to the mass burning of bodies Gestapo: “secret police,” put in place to fight political opposition SS (“Schutzstaffel”): army’s most elite; Hitler’s personal protectors; in charge of the concentration camps
Key terms continued Euthanasia: elimination of institutionalized physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged individuals, beginning with Germans and extending to Jews Fascism: social/political belief that the nation/state is the highest priority, not the people Swastika: ancient symbol, originally used in the belief well being, good fortune, and warding off evil spirits; adopted by the Nazi party as their official emblem