KristallnachtNight of the Broken Glass (Major turning point in the treatment of Jews in Germany) November 1938 Following the assassination of a German official in Paris by a Jew, the Nazi unleash incredible acts of violence and destruction against Jewish businesses and synagogues. 7500 Jewish businesses were destroyed. 267 synagogues were burned down and about 25,000 Jewish men imprisoned. (Jews were fined 1 billion marks for the damages.)

Transportation of Jews 1939-1945 At the beginning of the war, Jews are rounded up and moved to various locations, usually in Poland. Most Jews are confined to “ghettos” and kept under guard by the SS. As Germany occupies more land, Nazi policies against the Jews are enforced across Europe, Africa and Asia.

Hitler Appointed Chancellor January 1933 As head of government, Hitler can now begin to carry out the anti-Semitic policies of the Nazi Party. Due to copyright restrictions, this PowerPoint that supplements the CSCOPE Unit “World History/ The Rise of Totalitarianism” for the World History Course, will not have any pictures, illustrations, or clip art. Teachers are encouraged to find and use pictures to add to this presentation. This presentation represents the minimum of information and should be elaborated upon.

Boycott of Jewish Shops April 1, 1933 A small, nonviolent act that focuses on the targeted community of the Jews.

The Gestapo is created. April 1933 The Gestapo and the SS are the secret police of Nazi Germany and will carry out many of the attacks against the Jews.

The Nuremberg Race Laws September 1935 Formalizing earlier laws concerning race and citizenship in Germany.

Jews banned from professional occupations January 1937 The Germans continue to increase the restrictions and persecutions of the Jews in Germany.

World War II Begins September 1939 Germany invades Poland, which has Europe’s largest population of Jews.

Auschwitz 1940 Auschwitz, the most infamous, but by no means the only, slave labor/death camp is created near Krakow, Poland.

Forced Labor March 1941 Jews are now forced into labor to support the German war effort.

The Final Solution July 1941 Herman Goring orders the commander of Auschwitz to begin to make preparations for the final solution, or the extermination of Jews.

Wannsee Conference January 1942 At this meeting top Nazi (SS) officials meet to work out the details of the Final Solution.

Transportation of the Jews to the camps from around Europe 1942-1945 As the war progresses, the Nazis increased the transportation of Jews to the various camps across Germany and Poland.

Krakow Ghetto March 1943 The Krakow Ghetto is liquidated and the Jews removed to the camps.

Auschwitz March-April 1943 Three new massive gas chambers and crematoriums are constructed and put to immediate use.

Auschwitz is liberated January 1945 Soviet troops liberate Auschwitz. Roughly 2 million people were murdered at this one death camp.

V-E Day May 8, 1945 Victory in Europe.