Historical Background

 In order to get the most out of reading The Book Thief, you really need to understand the historical background to the novel.  In groups, pool your knowledge of Germany during World War II and the Jewish Holocaust.  Holocaust means “Completely burnt” and is used to describe the mass murder of Jews (Genocide) during WWII.

 1933  The Nazi Party takes over Germany  Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany (prime minister)  The Nazis “suspend” civil freedoms  The first concentration camp “Dachau” is set up – to imprison Communists.  Books with ideas considered dangerous to Nazi beliefs are burnt.

 1934  Hitler combines the chancellor and President role to become “Fuhrer”, or the sole leader of Germany.  Jewish Newspapers can no longer be sold in the street.

 1935  Jews are deprived of citizenship and other basic rights  Nazis intensify persecution of people with different political beliefs

 1936  Nazis boycott Jewish owned businesses  The Olympic Games are held in Germany, signs barring Jews are removed until after the event  Jews no longer have the right to vote.

 1938  On Kristallnacht, “The Night of Broken Glass”, in one night over 30,000 Jews are arrested and deported to concentration camps, synagogues were ransacked and 92 Jews were murdered.

 1938 continued  Jews must carry ID cards and passports must be marked with a “J”.  Jews could no longer run business or attend public events.  All Jewish children were removed to Jewish schools  Jewish businesses were shut down, valuables and jewels had to be handed over.

 1939  Germany takes over Czechoslovakia and invades Poland.  World War II begins as Britain and France declare war on Germany  Hitler orders that Jews must follow curfews, they must turn in radios to the police and must wear yellow stars of David.

 1940  Nazis begin deporting Jews to Poland  Jews are forced into Ghettos (confined areas)  Mass Murders of Jews begin in Poland  Jews are put into concentration camps