Echoes & Reflections Timeline of the Holocaust UNIT 2 – ANTISEMITISM – Timeline of the Holocaust
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LESSON PLAN
EDUCATOR RESOURCE: LESSON PLANS
Our Lesson Plans provide a unique experience for educators to teach about the Holocaust effectively and interactively. Lessons are organized by topics that represent major themes associated with the Holocaust in an order that is roughly chronological; the modular design of the Lessons allows for adaption and customization to specific grade levels and subject areas. The integration of rich content in each Lesson helps students construct an authentic and comprehensive portrait of the past as they frame their own thoughts about what they are learning, resulting in a deeper level of interest and inquiry. Each lesson includes:
  • Step-by-step procedures
  • Estimated completion time
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PEDAGOGY PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE HOLOCAUST INSTRUCTION

PEDAGOGICAL PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE HOLOCAUST INSTRUCTION



December 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, which depicts the true story of Oskar Schindler—a man who saved the lives of more than 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. It was Spielberg’s experience making this film that inspired him to collect and preserve the testimonies of over 54,000 Holocaust survivors and witnesses, a pursuit which ultimately led to the creation of what is now USC Shoah Foundation.

In honor of Universal Pictures’ rerelease of Schindler’s List, Echoes & Reflections has created a short, classroom-ready Companion Resource, that will help educators to provide important historical background and context to the film, as well as explore powerful true stories of rescue, survival, and resilience with their students.

Additionally, the following videos, recorded at Yad Vashem, feature Schindler survivors who speak of the impact Oskar Schindler had on their lives.


EVA LAVI TESTIMONY
Eva Lavi was the youngest survivor from Schindler’s list. She was two years old when the war began.
WATCH
EVA LAVI TESTIMONY
NAHUM & GENIA MANOR
Nahum Manor met and fell in love with his wife, Genia, in Schindler’s factory. Watch him read a letter at Schindler’s gravesite, expressing what he meant to them.
WATCH
NAHUM & GENIA MANOR




Visit the IWitness page commemorating the 25th anniversary of Schindler’s List for numerous additional resources to support teaching with this film.

CLASSROOM POSTER SERIES
INSPIRING THE HUMAN STORY
Echoes & Reflections is excited to announce the launch of our new poster series: Inspiring the Human Story, for which teachers can request one free set (three posters) for their classrooms.

The posters (each 24’x 36’), feature the words and experiences of Holocaust survivor and memoirist Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor Kurt Messerschmidt, and Anne Frank rescuer, Miep Gies. Each promotes meaningful conversation and reflection in the classroom and inspires students with powerful human stories of the Holocaust that can continue to guide and inform their steps forward.

To support you in these efforts, we have also compiled several suggested classroom activities from teachers in our network that may be of use and interest.

Order your set today at no cost!

Please note: In order to reach the maximum number of teachers with this limited opportunity, we are only able to provide one poster set per teacher. Additionally, we are only able to send poster sets to US addresses.


We are currently not taking orders at this time. Please check back for future opportunities.

ANTISEMITISM
ANTISEMITISM HAD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY RAMPANT...

- H. HENRY SINASON, JEWISH SURVIVOR

PREPARING TO TEACH THIS UNIT

Below is information to keep in mind when teaching the content in this unit. This material is intended to help teachers consider the complexities of teaching about antisemitism, Nazi racial ideology, and propaganda and to deliver accurate and sensitive instruction.

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  • Antisemitism did not begin when Adolf Hitler came to power in January 1933. Antisemitism had long been entrenched in Germany and other European countries, and Jews for many centuries had been victims of widespread hatred and suspicion. By studying the roots of antisemitism, and its different forms, students will better understand the historical context about the rise of racial antisemitic ideology in Nazi Germany.

  • This unit has been designed to help teachers translate abstract ideas (e.g., antisemitism, propaganda, stereotypes, scapegoating) into active learning experiences, thereby creating a framework for processing and organizing information that otherwise might be difficult for students to understand. For some students it will be difficult to comprehend circumstances that are outside their immediate environment or experiences for which they have little or no previous background. There is also the possibility that students will be introduced to the concept of hatred against the cultural group to which they belong.

  • Propaganda is an effective tool that has been used by both tyrants and democracies. Throughout this lesson, reinforce the idea that propaganda is manipulative and no one is immune to it.

  • When discussing stereotypes with students, there is always the risk of introducing them to generalizations that they did not know before. Special care should be taken when debriefing this lesson to reinforce the idea that while stereotypes and myths are easy to believe that does not make them true. It is also important to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions about the origins of specific stereotypes and why certain stereotypes continue to be believed. When discussing these issues with students, be cautious of the effect this discussion might have on them.

  • Some students may be uncomfortable with some of the subject matter associated with antisemitism and should be given opportunities to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the topic. Within the context of that conversation, it is important to stress that while antisemitism was a fundamental part of Christianity for centuries, it was also a product of world events and history. It is important, whenever possible, to accentuate the humanitarian aspect of Christianity as evidenced in many of the individuals identified as “Righteous Among the Nations.” Information about the “Righteous Among the Nations” can be found in the Rescuers and Non-Jewish Resistance unit.


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ABOUT THIS UNIT
Introduction

This unit provides an opportunity for students to learn about the origins of antisemitism. Students will also learn about prewar Jewish life in Germany and antisemitism in Nazi ideology and its similarities and differences from pre-Nazi antisemitism. Students will also examine propaganda methods that were used to exploit antisemitic attitudes among the German people and to create an atmosphere of terror.

Objectives
  • Define antisemitism and trace its origins.

  • Explain how pre-Nazi antisemitism and Nazi racial ideology are similar and different.

  • Discuss both the content and the messages in clips of visual history testimony.

  • Describe propaganda methods.

  • Give examples of propaganda methods that the Nazis used to exploit antisemitic attitudes among the German people and to isolate Jews from the rest of the population.

  • Identify historical and contemporary examples of antisemitism, propaganda, and stereotyping.




  VIDEO TOOLBOX


ACADEMIC STANDARDS
The materials in this unit address many Common Core State Standards.
View English/LA »
View History/SS »

  TESTIMONY VIDEO GUIDE
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  ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME

60-90 minutes

LESSON PLAN:

Prewar Jewish Life and Nazi Antisemitism



1Begin this lesson by showing students the map Jewish Communities in Europe before the Nazis Rise to Power. Provide time for students to share their observations and to consider the importance of demographic data when studying historical events; how can such data help us address questions or be integrated into a coherent understanding of an event?

  JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN EUROPE BEFORE THE NAZIS RISE TO POWER

  NOTE
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2Direct students’ attention to Germany and note the Jewish population as well as the percentage of the total population that Jews represented. Ask students if they have any knowledge regarding Jewish life in Germany prior to the Holocaust and if so, what have they learned. Follow by asking students to consider what life might have been like for Jews in Germany prior to Hitler’s rise to power.
3Tell students that they will now hear from individuals who experienced life in Germany prior to the rise of the Nazi Party. Introduce students to John Graham, H. Henry Sinason, and Margaret Lambert, and show the three clips of testimony.

  JOHN GRAHAM
Biographical Profile »

  H. HENRY SINASON
Biographical Profile »

  MARGARET LAMBERT
Biographical Profile »
4After students have listened to the testimony, ask them if they heard anything in the testimony that supported or differed from what they imagined life was like for Jews in Germany before 1933. Additional questions for discussion might include:
  • In his testimony, how does John Graham describe his feelings toward Germany before the war?

  • After listening to Margaret Lambert’s testimony, what is your sense of what the relationship between Jews and non-Jews was like before the war?

  • Henry Sinason mentions that his father considered himself German first and Jewish second. What does this lead you to believe about how many Jews might have identified with their country during this time period?


5Before showing the next clips of testimony, ask students if they are familiar with the terms “stereotype” and “antisemitism” and to share their understanding of what the terms mean. Continue by asking them if based on what they know or have heard about the Holocaust, whether the attitudes and actions against Jews and the laws legislated against them in Nazi Germany were a new phenomenon or part of a continuum of antisemitism throughout history.
6Tell students that they will now be introduced to H. Henry Sinason, Henry Laurant, and Judith Becker and watch their testimonies. Follow with a discussion using the questions below.

  H. HENRY SINASON
Biographical Profile »

  HENRY LAURANT
Biographical Profile »

  JUDITH BECKER
Biographical Profile »
  • Describe how H. Henry Sinason says that his friends have changed. Who does he believe is responsible for their change in attitude and behavior?

  • Henry Laurant makes it a point to discuss his father’s occupation and position in the community. What did the vandalism signal for Henry’s father? How does Henry’s testimony add to your understanding of what was happening in Germany during this time period?

  • In her testimony, Judith Becker speaks about a course on racism that was taught in schools. What was the irony that Judith describes? Why do you think the Nazis wanted to target young people with their racial ideology?

  • From listening to these testimonies, what do you learn about how the atmosphere in Germany was changing?


7Review important information about stereotypes with students: A stereotype is an oversimplified generalization about a person or group of people without regard for individual differences. Even seemingly positive stereotypes that link a person or group to a specific positive trait (e.g., Asian Americans are good in math) can have negative consequences because they ignore an individual’s interests and abilities. While all stereotypes are hurtful because they group people into one category, some stereotypes are particularly dangerous because they express very negative things about a group of people (e.g., violent, greedy). Such stereotypes perpetuate hateful attitudes and hurt individuals and entire communities. There is also the danger that targets of such stereotypes may begin to believe they are true.
8Elicit from students examples of how a group to which they belong is stereotyped. Have students discuss why they think people believe and perpetuate stereotypes and why stereotypes are dangerous.
9Display or distribute the Definition of Antisemitism; read and discuss together.

  STUDENT HANDOUT
Antisemitism View More »
10Prepare students for reading the Summary of Antisemitism handout by reviewing key terms and phrases as necessary. Distribute the text and have students study it as a whole group, in small groups, or individually. Instruct students to identify and underline or highlight examples of stereotypes or accusations made against Jews in the selection.

  STUDENT HANDOUT
Summary of Antisemitism View More »
11After reading the handout, conduct a class discussion based on some or all of the questions below.
  • What examples of stereotypes or accusations against Jews were discussed in the text? [Optional: Chart responses on the board or on chart paper.]

  • In what way did Nazi ideology create a new form of antisemitism?

  • What does the term “scapegoat” mean?

  • What are some situations when people may be likely to scapegoat a group of people?

  • Can you name groups of people in the United States who have been unfairly blamed for circumstances or events? (e.g., immigrants blamed for unemployment, Japanese Americans blamed for bombing of Pearl Harbor)

  • Why do you think many people didn’t question or protest what they were being told about Jews?

  • How is antisemitism similar to or different from scapegoating?


12Ask students to consider whether antisemitism was only a problem of the past or if it remains an area of concern today. Have them support their thinking and, if possible, give contemporary examples of antisemitism at the local, national, or international level. Share with students that the Anti-Defamation League (adl.org) identifies both criminal and non-criminal acts of harassment and intimidation, including distribution of hate propaganda, threats, and slurs and compiles the information into annual reports. Updates and information about antisemitism—both nationally and internationally—are also posted regularly on the website.
13Provide students with the Not in Our Town handout and review together. Follow with a discussion using some or all of the questions below.

  STUDENT HANDOUT
Not in Our Town View More »
  NOTE
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  • What is a hate group?

  • Why do you think some people choose to join hate groups?

  • How do you think people are recruited to join hate groups?

  • How, if at all, is the ideology of hate groups today similar to Nazi racial ideology?

  • What is meant by the term “ally”?

  • What specifically did the people of Billings, Montana do to show that they were allies to those who had become targets of antisemitism and other forms of bigotry?

  • What risks did the people of Billings take when they decided to take action against what was happening in their community?

  • What are some of the possible risks that a person takes when he or she decides to become an ally?


14Distribute a sticky note to each student. Have each student write a response to one of the following questions which have been posted on the board and “post” the response under the appropriate question prior to leaving class:
  • What specifically did you learn about antisemitism that you didn’t know before studying the topic in class?

  • Which of the testimonies that you watched today do you think you will remember and why?

  • Why do you think the story of what happened in Billings, Montana still resonates for people more than twenty years later?




  ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME

60-90 minutes

LESSON PLAN:

Nazi Antisemitic Ideology and Propaganda



1Begin this lesson by having students brainstorm the meaning of the word “ideology” and share what they think constitutes an ideology (e.g., a pattern of beliefs; a way of thinking; a system of ideas that organizes one’s goals, expectations, and actions).
2Distribute the Nazi Ideology handout and have students individually, in pairs, or in small groups cite textual evidence to support their responses to the following questions:

  STUDENT HANDOUT
Nazi Ideology View More »
  STUDENT HANDOUT
Summary of Antisemitism View More »
  • How did the Nazi ideology depict Jews?

  • Compare and contrast this text to Summary of Antisemitism. What new ideas appear in Hitler’s writings? What ideas reflect continuity with previous antisemitic thinking?

  • How do you think these ideas might have influenced people in Germany who were exposed to them?


3Ask students to think about the term “propaganda” and share what they understand it to mean. [Optional: Have a volunteer read the definition of propaganda found in the Glossary.]  Continue by having students post what they see as the distinction between “propaganda” and “ideology” (i.e., ideology is a system of ideas and principles on which a political or economic theory is based; propaganda is a tool or method used to disseminate such a system of ideas).
4Introduce students to H. Henry Sinason and Esther Clifford and have students watch the two clips of testimonies. Follow with a discussion, using the questions below.

  H. HENRY SINASON
Biographical Profile »

  ESTHER CLIFFORD
Biographical Profile »

  NOTE
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  • Henry Sinason discusses how many of his former friends became part of the Hitler Youth movement. Why do you think the children were receptive to joining such a movement?

  • What changes does Henry describe? What is the process he describes? What do you think influenced this process of change?

  • What were some of the visual images that Esther Clifford talks about seeing on her way to school? What effect did seeing such things have on her?


5On the board or on chart paper, write the heading “How does propaganda work?” and then write the following list:

  • Repeats the same information over and over

  • Often twists and exploits the truth

  • Appeals to people’s emotions

  • Gives the illusion that most people agree with the message

  • Talks to people in their own language

  • Uses accessible media (e.g., newspaper, radio)


6Have students suggest examples of propaganda that they have seen and explain which of the techniques listed above was/were used. They might want to consider advertisements, political campaigns, social movements, and so forth in their examples.
7Continue the discussion about propaganda by asking the following:
  • What are the possible effects of propaganda?

  • Can one become critical toward propaganda? Why or why not?


8Display and review together as a whole group some of the examples of Nazi propaganda. Have students consider some or all of the questions below, depending on which document they are analyzing.

  NOTE
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  NAZI PROPAGANDA: CHILDREN'S BOOK COVER

  NAZI PROPAGANDA: CARICATURE OF A JEW WITH ARYAN CHILDREN

  NAZI PROPAGANDA: WOMAN AND CHILDREN LOOKING AT CRUCIFIX

  NAZI PROPAGANDA: SCHOOL CHILDREN AND NAZI IDEOLOGY

  NAZI PROPAGANDA: COMPARISON OF JEW AND ARYAN

  NAZI PROPAGANDA: NAZI PARADE, SEPTEMBER 1935

  NAZI PROPAGANDA: BOYCOTT SIGN, 1933

  NOTE
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  IWITNESS ACTIVITY
The Power of Propaganda
here »
  • What statement is this photograph or caricature making?

  • How is the example exploiting the already existing antisemitic attitudes in Germany?

  • How is the example attempting to further isolate Jews from the rest of the population?

  • Which of the propaganda methods (listed on the board or on chart paper) apply to this photograph or caricature?

  • What is the irony of the photograph of the German woman reading the sign saying to beware of Jewish propaganda?

  • In what ways do the caricatures and photographs depict the ideas expressed in Nazi ideology?

  • Why did the Nazis use a variety of methods to spread their ideology?


9After reviewing several examples, have a general discussion using the following questions:
  • How would you characterize Nazi propaganda?

  • Do you think that some people recognized that what they were seeing and hearing was propaganda? If they did, why do you think they still believed it?

  • Why do you think that many of the German people did not see Nazi propaganda as negative? (e.g., it was pro-Aryan so it reinforced their self-concept)

  • How can a person be tempted to believe in propaganda?

  • What is dehumanization?

  • What are some examples of ways that the Nazis dehumanized Jews in their propaganda?

  • How did the dehumanization of Jews make them an easy target for abuse?

  • What other groups of people have been dehumanized in history? What was the purpose or goal behind such dehumanization? What methods were used? What has been the result?


10Close the lesson by having students discuss specific examples of national and international events that demonstrate that antisemitism and propaganda are still part of contemporary society.
Reflect & Respond

The questions below, used in class or as homework, prompt students to reflect on what they are learning and its meaning in their own lives and in society.

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These queries are excellent for journaling, allowing students to create their own primary source material. Keep in mind, the sensitive and emotional nature of the topics may preclude teacher evaluation. If journaling is used as an assessment tool, assure students that they will not be evaluated negatively for expressing opinions that may be different from others in class or from the teacher’s.

  • Some people thought that after the Holocaust, antisemitism would disappear, which it did not. How can you explain that? Why do you think it did not disappear? What have you learned of the history of antisemitism that might explain why the Holocaust did not end antisemitism?

  • Do you recognize propaganda in your life and society? Do you feel that you are influenced by it? If so, how? If not, how do you protect yourself from its influence?

  • Think about the dangers in stereotyping. Why are stereotypes so easy to believe and perpetuate? How can you combat stereotypes in your daily life? What would be the value of doing so?

  • Many of the testimonies in this lesson related stories of hurtful, neglectful, and/or abusive behavior toward children who could not defend themselves. Who in a society is responsible for the care of children? What should those entrusted with this responsibility do to ensure that all children are emotionally and physically safe?

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Making Connections

The additional activities and projects listed below can be integrated directly into a lesson or can be used to extend a lesson once it has been completed. The topics lend themselves to students’ continued study of the Holocaust as well as opportunities for students to make meaningful connections to other people and events, including relevant contemporary issues. These activities may include instructional strategies and techniques and/or address academic standards in addition to those that were identified for the unit.

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1Visit IWitness (iwitness.usc.edu) for testimonies, resources, and activities to help students learn more about prewar Jewish life, propaganda, and antisemitism.
2Assign students a research project that explores modern-day antisemitism and hate groups. The following questions can guide the research:
  • What organized groups use antisemitism to advance their goals?

  • How have these groups made use of Nazi ideology?

  • What other groups of people do hate groups target?

  • What recent events have served to increase the intensity and broaden the scope of modern antisemitism?

  • What activities of these hate groups are banned by law? What activities are legal?

  • Who joins hate groups? How are young people lured into joining hate groups?

  • What role does the Internet play in spreading the message of hate groups?

The class might be divided into small groups, each one responsible for a particular aspect of the whole topic: e.g., origins of antisemitism in the United States, hate groups, the escalation of antisemitism. Research may be presented in written, oral, or in visual form (e.g., video). Encourage students to use the Anti-Defamation League’s website (adl.org) and the Southern Poverty Law Center’s website (splcenter.org) in their research.
3Divide the class in half. Provide time for groups to prepare an argument for debate. Have one group argue that the United States government should prohibit the activities of groups and individuals that promote hatred, as in Germany where the dissemination of racist and antisemitic material is illegal. Have the other group argue that the First Amendment must be upheld.
4The antisemitic children’s book The Poisonous Mushroom (Der Giftpilz in German) was written by Ernst Hiemer and published by Julius Streicher who also published the antisemitic newspaper Der Stürmer. Instruct students to gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources about how children’s books like The Poisonous Mushroom were used to promote Nazi ideology and prepare a PowerPoint or cloud-based presentation (e.g., Prezi), a written report, or decide on another format to present their work. Their presentations should include examples of children’s books published during the time period, information about how people responded to the books if possible, as well as their interpretations of the books and what they learned about propaganda from studying them.
5Have students answer the following question in an explanatory text or in a multimedia presentation: At what point does political discourse become propaganda? To begin, students should identify specific examples of politicians attempting to sway voters to vote for them or to agree with them on a particular issue. This can be accomplished by listening to or reading speeches or transcripts from community forums made by national, state, or local politicians. This investigation should be followed by an argument for why the techniques do or do not fit the definition of propaganda. Which techniques, if any, are the same as those of propaganda? If they are different, how are they different? What safeguards, if any, are in place to prevent political discourse from becoming propaganda? The text or presentation should end with a concluding statement that answers the research question based on the evidence compiled.
6Using online resources have students research and prepare a graphic that shows the Jewish experience in the United States at roughly the same time as the Nazis were coming to power in Germany. The graphic might include information on various regions of the country where Jews lived or the countries from which they emigrated. Include data about the attitude toward Jews based on polling data compiled at the time. Encourage students to consider the implications of their findings on whether the United States would intervene in the events that were to unfold in Europe.

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KEY WORDS
antisemitism
Aryan
Bar Mitzvah  
blood libel
boycott
cantor
caricature
Chanukah
Christianity
dehumanization
Der Stürmer  
discrimination
hate group
Hitler Youth, Hitlerjugend  
Judaism
kippah  
kosher
Ku Klux Klan
menorah  
Nazi
Nazi ideology
prejudice
propaganda
racism
Rassenkunde  
scapegoat
stereotype
Storm Troopers
swastika
Zionism
TITLE
PHOTO
LEFT COL
RIGHT COL
top
bottom
left
right
left
right