1. The holocaust

2. What do you know?

3. Genocide
Systematic elimination of a specific group of people based on race, religion, ethnic background, cultural group, etc.
Can involve any of the following:
Killing
Bodily or mental harm
Intentional destruction of living conditions
Preventing new births
Removing children and “transferring” them to another group of people
Source: USHMM.org

4. dehumanization
Stripping people of all human qualities including, but not limited to, civil rights, housing, employment, religion, and nutrition
Jews were required to wear the Star Of David at all times so they could be easily identified

5. dictatorship One leader has total control of all political decisions
Leader does not seek nor take advice, suggestions, input, etc. from anyone else
Harsh measures are usually taken to ensure power remains with the leader
Often consists of “brainwashing” individuals

6. Adolf hitler
Believed in the ideal “Aryan” race (100% German or Northern European, light hair, light eyes); thought to be superior to all other races
Thought any other races were tainting the country
Planned on expanding German civilization as far as possible
Eventually wanted to “take over the world”
Was adored by his followers and had no trouble building an army
Like to be called “Fuhrer” (“father,” “leader”) by his people

7. KristallNacht “The Night of Broken Glass,” November 9th-10th, 1938
Destruction of Jewish businesses, synagogues, some Jewish homes and people

8. Key terms
Ghetto: specific, barricaded areas set up specifically for Jews, who were involuntarily relocated
Concentration camp: “camps” set up by the Nazis; used for labor, transit, or extermination
Gas chamber: large, sealed rooms that were packed with people and filled with gas that killed slowly
Crematorium: large ovens used to the mass burning of bodies
Gestapo: “secret police,” put in place to fight political opposition
SS (“Schutzstaffel”): army’s most elite; Hitler’s personal protectors; in charge of the concentration camps

9. Key terms continued
Euthanasia: elimination of institutionalized physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged individuals, beginning with Germans and extending to Jews
Fascism: social/political belief that the nation/state is the highest priority, not the people
Swastika: ancient symbol, originally used in the belief well being, good fortune, and warding off evil spirits; adopted by the Nazi party as their official emblem