Monday
Complete writing prompt.
What factors led to Hitler and the Nazi Party taking power in Germany? Why do you think the German people supported their actions?
The Holocaust: In Memory of Millions: Part One
We will watch half of the segments today.
(Stop at 22:58.)
Pre-viewing questions:
Discuss what you already know about the Nazis and their persecution of millions.
Have you ever met a survivor of the Holocaust? What were some of his or her memories of the experience?
As you watch, note the personal accounts of World War II and think about how their stories affect your understanding of the Holocaust.
Post-viewing questions:
According to the program it took less than three months for Hitler to seize total power.
What allowed Hitler and the Nazi party to obtain power in Germany so quickly?
Describe the role that propaganda played in manipulating the thoughts and actions of the German people.
Activity
Imagine that you have just avoided persecution by the Nazi army. Write a short story detailing your narrow escape. Include descriptions of your secret hiding places, the food you ate, and the people who helped pave your path to freedom.
Read.
Tuesday
Complete writing prompt.
Which do you think is a more effective way to learn about the Holocaust—through a careful analysis of historical facts or through listening to a wide selection of stories told by survivors?
Does one of these methods offer a more realistic portrait of history? Explain your response.
The Holocaust: In Memory of Millions: Part Two
Previewing Questions
Just over half a century has passed since Allied troops began to liberate the Nazi concentration camps. Wounds still run deep and the threat of similar tragedies looms around the world. As you watch, listen to survivors and the Allied soldiers who witnessed the Nazi atrocities. How can their stories help to stop another Holocaust from occurring?
Post Viewing Questions
Discuss the meaning of the Holocaust Memorial inscription, “We must bear witness.” What do you think is the better way to understand the Holocaust, by learning historic facts or by hearing survivor stories? Explain your response.
Why do you think it is important to “bear witness” to the horrors of the Holocaust?
Activity
Imagine you are holding an international summit of world leaders on how to promote racial understanding and harmony. Develop five specific steps world leaders could take to prevent further atrocities like the Holocaust.
Read.
Word Wall
cognizant
Definition: Knowledgeable of something, especially through personal experience.
Context: The people who designed the Nazi death camps were cognizant of the intended use of the facilities.
demoralize
Definition: To weaken the morale of; to upset or destroy the normal functioning of.
Context: Concentration camp prisoners were forced to complete difficult and pointless tasks in order to discourage and demoralize them.
fascism
Definition: A political philosophy, movement, or regime that stands for a centralized autocratic
government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.
Context: Fascists believe in placing one’s nation and race before oneself.
ghetto
Definition: A quarter of a city in which members of a minority group live especially because of social, legal, or economic pressure.
Context: Jews in Nazi Germany were forced to live in ghettos.
Nazi
Definition: A member of a German fascist party controlling Germany from 1933 to 1945 under Adolf Hitler.
Context: The fascists who ruled Germany under Hitler were known as the Nazi Party.
propaganda
Definition: The spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person.
Context: Propaganda convinced many Germans that Hitler’s lies about Jews were reality.
We will have a test of material covered when we return from break.