Diary of Anne Frank: Background Information - Please take out something to write with for notes 

Before we begin… These topics are very sensitive subjects as many innocent lives were lost. I expect the utmost MATURITY and RESPECT as we discuss this tragic event. If I ever hear of you making jokes or rude comments regarding these issues, you will be suffering some MAJOR consequences.

Who was Adolf Hitler? Austrian born, German politician Joined the German army in WWI Leader of Nazi Party DICTATOR of Germany 1933-1945

What was Hitler’s reason for causing World War II? Two reasons: To rule the world To make all conquered peoples the slaves of the “master German race” Hitler wanted to create a “pure race” or “Aryan race” built of people who represented the original racial stock from the Northern German Plains.

Define Casualty- A member of the armed services lost to service through death, wounds, sickness, capture, or because his or her whereabouts cannot be determined.

Define Genocide- The planned killing of an entire racial or cultural group of people

How were the Jews treated prior to being held in Death Camps? He sent his army (SS) to harass Jews, steal their possessions, force them into slavery, and starve them.

How many Jews were killed? 6 million Jewish men, women, and children were killed.

How were the Jews killed? Starved Tortured Shot Gassed Burned to death

Define Holocaust- A fire that causes total destruction

Name other victims of WWI- 5 million other innocents: Russians Poles Czechs Slavs Gypsies Homosexuals People with disabilities, other religious or political beliefs

What is the difference between a Nazi and a German? German’s- from Germany Nazi’s- joined the Nazi Party and were from all over Europe

Who was Anne Frank? German Jewish girl who fled from Germany when Hitler came to power

Where did she hide? Took refuge (shelter/protection) in Amsterdam, Holland They remained shut in a hidden Amsterdam apartment called the Secret Annexe

How long did she hide? Two years She went into hiding when she was 13 years old

Why is her diary so important? Two MAIN reasons: Her readers get a firsthand look at how evil people are and how good people are Hitler and his Nazis were cruel and evil Many good unselfish people helped the Jews hide and risked their lives in doing so

After reading this background information on Anne Frank, discuss the significance of the following quote taken from the end of her diary: “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”