1. Politics and persecution - an introduction
Canada & World War II
Politics and persecution - an introduction

2. Setting the Stage in Europe
1930s saw major changes and conflict in Europe
Rise of Fascism in Germany, Italy, Spain
Stalin and Communism in Russia
Germany still reeling from WWI and Treaty of Versailles
Sanctions of treaty severely hindered economic stability and general standard of life

3. Hitler and Germany’s Resurgence
Adolf Hitler: Born in Austria in 1889
Fought in WWI
Imprisoned in 1923 for high treason
Elected Chancellor of Germany in 1933
Mein Kampf (My Struggle)
Book outlining his ideology and plans
Political campaign ramped up after release
BIG PICTURE: Hitler used scapegoats (Jews, gypsies) as well as the anger WWI caused Germans to motivate Germany

4. Jewish Persecution in Germany/Europe
Hitler named the Jews as primary culprit for the state of Germany after WWI
Jewish people had experienced persecution for centuries in Europe, but never to this degree
Jews were seen as “inferior race” to Hitler’s “Master Race” (blue- eyed & blonde-haired individuals; a.k.a. “Aryan” race)
Nuremberg Laws (1933)
Jews became second-class citizens
Could not attend public schools; go to theaters, cinema, or vacation resorts; or reside or even walk in certain sections of German cities.

5. Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass)
Jewish persecution increased over time
More rights were revoked while restrictions increased
Kristallnacht
November 10th, 1938
“Pogrom” (coordinated attack) on German Jews
Jewish synagogues, businesses, homes across Germany were burned/destroyed
Police/Government stood by and oversaw the destruction, made no attempt to stop it

6. Rise of Fascism and Anti-Semitism in Canada
Fascist political groups, supporters of Hitler began appearing throughout Canada
Increase in anti-Semitist groups and behaviour
Jewish people were often unable to get jobs, buy property, join clubs/organizations
Canadian people and government unsympathetic

7. Tale of the S.S. St. Louis May 1939: St. Louis fled from Germany to
North America with 907
Jewish passengers
Rejected entry by
Canada, USA, Cuba,
every other Latin country they approached
Forced to return to Germany