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How can we explain how ordinary people participated in the mass murder of innocent people?
We have looked at some of the tough decisions German citizens had to make during the time of Hitler’s rule; decisions that were influenced by propaganda, education, fear, opportunism, discriminatory laws, anti-Semitism, a sense of belonging, and the conditions of living in a dictatorship. We have also studied scientific experiments that were conducted after the holocaust that analyzed human obedience. We also studied some of the propaganda methods employed by the Nazis that attempted to infiltrate and manipulate the thoughts and actions of the German people. Knowing now the steps that were taken towards the mass murder of innocent people, what types of explanations can be given to explain how ordinary Germans chose to be perpetrators or bystanders in the face of this injustice?
Ordinary People: Suggested Essay Outline I
What strategies did the Nazis use to ensure that the German public obeyed and conformed to their policies?
Thesis:
The most effective strategies used by the Nazis to ensure that the German Public obeyed and conformed to their policies were:
1.
2.
However, not everyone participated….
3. (Opposing Argument)
Background:
Background Paragraph on Obedience
Describe the results of the Milgram Experiment and what that reveals about why people in Germany obeyed and participated in the murder of innocent people.
Background Paragraph on Laws
Identify two important laws passed by Hitler while he as in power. What was the significance of these laws and how would they influence people’s understanding of their place in German society.
Body:
Argument #1
Identify one main strategy employed by the Nazis that helped to ensure that people obeyed the laws mentioned above. Provide at least two pieces of evidence.
Argument #2
Identify another main strategy employed by the Nazis that helped to ensure that people obeyed the laws mentioned above. Provide at least two pieces of evidence.
Opposing Argument
Did everyone participate? Offer a story or an example of someone or an instance in which someone chose not to participate.
Conclusion:
What overarching lesson can we learn about human behavior, bystanders, perpetrators and how human behavior can be manipulated? What suggestions do you have for the future?
Ordinary People: Suggested Essay Outline II
How can we explain how ordinary people participated in the mass murder of innocent people?
Thesis:
Ordinary German citizens participated in the mass murder of innocent people because:
1.
2.
3.
However, not everyone participated….
4. (Opposing Argument)
Body:
Argument #1
Identify one main strategy employed by the Nazis that helped to ensure that people obeyed the laws mentioned above. Provide at least two pieces of evidence.
Argument #2
Identify another main strategy employed by the Nazis that helped to ensure that people obeyed the laws mentioned above. Provide at least two pieces of evidence.
Argument #3
Identify another main strategy employed by the Nazis that helped to ensure that people obeyed the laws mentioned above. Provide at least two pieces of evidence.
Opposing Argument
Did everyone participate? Offer a story or an example of someone or an instance in which someone chose not to participate.
Conclusion:
What overarching lesson can we learn about human behavior, bystanders, perpetrators and how human behavior can be manipulated? What suggestions do you have for the future?
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