1. Catastrophe Definition: a terrible disaster
Natural VS Human
Discuss the difference
Explain to students that they will be studying a great human catastrophe. Make sure to note that choices are what define the difference between Natural versus human.

2. Why study the Holocaust?
“My stories are of gas chambers, shootings, electrified fences, torture, scorching sun, mental abuse, and constant threat of death.
But they are also stories of faith, hope, triumph, and love. They are stories of perseverance, loyalty, courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and of never giving up.
My story is my message: Never give up.”
~Livia Bitton-Jackson author of I Have Lived A Thousand Years: Growing up in the Holocaust

3. WWII and Holocaust Dates
The Holocaust, in various forms, lasted from 1933 to 1945.
World War II lasted from 1939 to 1945
Five year old Avram Rosenthal and two year old brother Emanuel of the Kovno ghetto in Lithuania

4. Roots of the Holocaust: Part One Overview
Treaty of Versailles and its effects
Anti-Semitism
Rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party
Nazi Racial Ideology
Nazi Propaganda

5. Treaty of Versailles Effects
Germany left with a weak economy, and low morale
=Ripe ground for the Nazi party to exploit:
Blame the Jews and “outsiders,” thus uniting Germany against a common enemy and giving them someone to blame (scapegoat)
Promise to make Germany great again

6. Anti-Semitism –Holocast: Forever Outsiders Linda Jacobs Altman
=Prejudice or discrimination against Jews; dislike, fear and persecution of Jews.
We have seen examples of anti-Semitism throughout different eras all over the world.
“Some scholars cite stereotypes as the key factors in the development of anti-Semitisim…Among the stereotypes that have emerged over the centuries are ugly portrayals of Jews as economic exploiters and as carriers of disease…”
–Holocast: Forever Outsiders Linda Jacobs Altman

7. — USHMM, courtesy of Margaret Chelnick
A motorcyclist reads a sign stating "Jews are not welcomed here." Germany, ca
— USHMM, courtesy of Margaret Chelnick

8. Illustration from a children's book
Illustration from a children's book. The headlines say "Jews are our misfortune" and "How the Jew cheats." Germany, 1936.
— United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

9. Hitler fans the flames
“The tide of anti-Semitism had swept in at various points in Germany’s long and complex history. But never had it been as shocking and radical as during the Nazi era: Hitler, manic and charismatic, was able to fan the flames of an ancient hatred into a conflagration.” –Holocast: Forever Outsiders Linda Jacobs Altman

10. Rise of Adolf Hitler Leader of the Nazi party
On January 30, 1933 German president Paul von Hindenburg made Adolf Hitler chancellor of Germany.
The Enabling Act of March 23, 1933 allowed Hitler to establish a dictatorship in Germany.

11. Adolf Hitler’s Racial Ideology
After violently trying to overthrow the government (March on Munich, 1923), Adolf Hitler is sentenced to five years in prison.
There, Hitler put into writing his racist ideals. He wrote Mein Kampf (My Struggle) about his thirst for power and planned conquest of Europe, and the “evils” of Jews and what could be done about them.
5 million copies sold by 1939

12. This 1938 poster promotes Hitler’s book Mein Kampf, announcing that four million copies have been sold. Courtesy of Dr. Robert D. Brooks.

13. Nazi Racial Ideology Nazis considered Germans “racially superior.”
Also termed the German (Aryan) Race or the “master race.” (blonde, blue eyed, tall)
Other peoples the Nazi’s considered inferior, besides Jews were:
Roma (Gypsies)
Mentally and physically handicapped
Those with African-German background
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Homosexuals

14. How did Hitler and the Nazi’s gain popular support?
Persuasive power of: rallies, salutes, uniforms, symbols
Hitler: an extremely persuasive and charismatic public speaker
Anti-Semitism began to invade every aspect of life—mass production of hate-based propaganda
Targeted young people
Education: Anti-Semitism taught in all subject areas and in a variety of methods
Hitler Youth: joining became a requirement

15. Illustration from an antisemitic children's primer
Illustration from an antisemitic children's primer. The sign reads "Jews are not wanted here." Germany, 1936.
— United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

17. Reflection

18. Hitler portrayed with religiuos imagery—hero/savior

19. Describe what you see when you study the children of the Holocaust
Describe what you see when you study the children of the Holocaust? Bravery? Fear? Confidence? Concern? Burden? Distrust? Giving up?

20. The Voices of the past Look at their faces
Take the time to respect these young people and study their faces.
What were their dreams? Who was their best friend? Did they like to read? Or play music? They were once you.