The Holocaust Mrs. Wilkinson November 22, TH Hour

Background to the Holocaust WWII –Germany, Italy, and Japan were the three Axis Powers during World War II. –The War years were –1944, Nov. 7: Roosevelt elected to fourth term –1945, April 12: Franklin Delano Roosevelt dies of stroke; Harry Truman becomes President –1946, Jan. 7: United Nations meets for first time in London The Holocaust –NOT FINISHED

Adolph Hitler ran Germany during the 1920’s. He wrote of his power in his own book Mein Kampf which means “my struggle” or “my battle.” Adolph envied the Jews because he only knew them to be successful and educated. His jealousy is what brought his hatred. His mother was ill and a Jewish doctor could not save her. He loved art and envied the Jewish artist and their success. Because he dodged the draft, Hitler was arrested and threatened to be put into jail if he didn’t report for duty. The irony is that when he arrived he wasn’t “fit” for the military service and was permitted to leave with out a penalty. His first rise to power was when he tried to take over the Bavarian government. He was unsuccessful and arrested. It was in jail that he wrote his book. Hitler was a very eloquent speaker and it was this talent that allowed him to gain the mass number of followers. His hatred combined with his ability to speak to millions spawned the Holocaust. A person: Adolph Hitler

Current Information about the Holocaust Books and Movies EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS FOR OLDER READERS –92 App 356 p. Alicia: My Story by Alicia Appleman-Jurman The story of a thirteen-year-old girl who rescued countless Jews after losing her entire family to the Nazis. –Y92 Hau 243 p. The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia by Esther Hautzig When the Russian army invades Poland, twelve-year-old Esther is sent to Siberia to live out the war under terrible conditions. A movie –The Last Days –Schindler –Survivors of the Holocaust Websites – (books and movies) – (Hitler Bio)

Visual Aids Concentration and Death Camps