The Holocaust

Who are the Jews? A group of people who came from Israel, in the Middle East. They have a unique religion and culture They have been kicked out of their country many times and have been forced to live in other countries, especially in Europe. Historically, they have been peaceful towards others, but been treated with hatred, racism and murder around the world.

World War I War between France, The United States and Russia fighting Germany, from 1914-1918. Ended with the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. The Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to pay France, the U.S. and Russia for the costs of the war. This made Germany poor and its people angry.

Map of Europe during World War I

Hitler The German people’s frustration continued into the 1930’s, as the Great depression in the United States was impacting the rest of the world. A man named Adolph Hitler became Chancellor of Germany (like a president) in 1933. Hitler blamed the Jews for Germany’s loss during world war I and being forced to pay for the costs of the war.

Hitler’s Plan Hitler promised to make Germany strong. He began invading the countries surrounding Germany, which started World war II. He thought that controlling more land and resources would make Germany stronger and more rich.

Hitler’s Plan Hitler began preventing Jews from owning businesses or working for the government. Next, he forced all Jewish people to wear the “Star of David” of their shirt sleeves to show that they were Jewish. Finally, Hitler had the Jews moved to Concentration camps.

The Concentration Camps The Jews were forced to work for no pay and given little food or water. Families were often separated At random, the Jews were taken into a room told they were taking a shower, poison came out of the Shower heads, and they died. 5-6 Million Jews were killed by the Germans between 1941 and 1945