Lasting 12 years, the Holocaust was the mass genocide of Jewish people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, and gypsies. It was estimated that 11 million people died during this time period, 6 million of which were Jews. The name Holocaust comes from the Greek word ‘Holokausten’, which means sacrifice by fire. According to most historians, the Holocaust began on April 1st, 1933, when Germany, under Nazi control, passed the first anti-semitic law, effectively boycotting all Jewish run businesses. Legislation against those of the Jewish faith continued to be passed and was referred to as the Nuremberg Laws. The horror of this event has caused many to study and learn from it so that it can never be allowed to happen again. To ensure that no one could ignore it’s happening, 17 countries have established laws banning Holocaust denial.
In order to settle World War I, the Treaty of Versailles was inaugurated, pinning responsibility of the war on Germany. The country was forced to pay reparations, demilitarize the Rhineland and cut down on military power. These harsh reparations led to German resentment of the Treaty and European powers in general. The reparations caused an economic depression in Germany and the country’s infrastructure seemed to be falling apart as the result. A man named Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany with the Nazi political party on the platform that there would be a retaliation to the reparations. The campaign also put the economic failure of the country on the Jews. As Hitler led Germany to power, German citizens developed trust in their leader and were more willing to accept his radical ideas. Very few people raised their concerns as the Holocaust developed, as it was dangerous to oppose such a totalitarian leader. Hitler had complete control over the people in Germany and used propaganda very effectively to get people to develop anti-Jewish sentiments and take action in defense of their country. The complete control of an entire country allowed Germany to rise to power and allowed the Holocaust to begin and continue throughout World War II. Before the breakout of war, Hitler made several alliances and agreements in order to protect his power. He forged an agreement with Russia called “The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact” This document stated that neither country would attack one another in the immediate future. The signing of this treaty by Hitler and Stalin allowed Germany to suddenly seize Poland without Soviet retaliation. Germany was also carefully crafted alliances with Italy and Japan that ensured resources, support, and non-violence between agreeing countries. Germany, Italy, and Japan would come to be known as ‘The Axis Powers’. In a grab for power, Hitler also occupied Rhineland and remilitarized Germany. Both of these were violations of the Treaty of Versailles. Further violating the treaty, Germany decided annexed Austria, which was Hitler’s homeland. The countries …show more content…
This was so that no one could deny it’s happening and, additionally, so that the world could learn from this event and ensure that it will not be allowed to happen again. Holocaust education is taught worldwide to students of all ages to increase awareness. In Washington, D.C., USA, there is the Holocaust Museum, which attracts thousands of tourists each year who want to learn and reflect on the event. Overall, a global effort has worked to ensure we can learn from the Holocaust and ensure it won’t happen
In order to settle World War I, the Treaty of Versailles was inaugurated, pinning responsibility of the war on Germany. The country was forced to pay reparations, demilitarize the Rhineland and cut down on military power. These harsh reparations led to German resentment of the Treaty and European powers in general. The reparations caused an economic depression in Germany and the country’s infrastructure seemed to be falling apart as the result. A man named Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany with the Nazi political party on the platform that there would be a retaliation to the reparations. The campaign also put the economic failure of the country on the Jews. As Hitler led Germany to power, German citizens developed trust in their leader and were more willing to accept his radical ideas. Very few people raised their concerns as the Holocaust developed, as it was dangerous to oppose such a totalitarian leader. Hitler had complete control over the people in Germany and used propaganda very effectively to get people to develop anti-Jewish sentiments and take action in defense of their country. The complete control of an entire country allowed Germany to rise to power and allowed the Holocaust to begin and continue throughout World War II. Before the breakout of war, Hitler made several alliances and agreements in order to protect his power. He forged an agreement with Russia called “The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact” This document stated that neither country would attack one another in the immediate future. The signing of this treaty by Hitler and Stalin allowed Germany to suddenly seize Poland without Soviet retaliation. Germany was also carefully crafted alliances with Italy and Japan that ensured resources, support, and non-violence between agreeing countries. Germany, Italy, and Japan would come to be known as ‘The Axis Powers’. In a grab for power, Hitler also occupied Rhineland and remilitarized Germany. Both of these were violations of the Treaty of Versailles. Further violating the treaty, Germany decided annexed Austria, which was Hitler’s homeland. The countries …show more content…
This was so that no one could deny it’s happening and, additionally, so that the world could learn from this event and ensure that it will not be allowed to happen again. Holocaust education is taught worldwide to students of all ages to increase awareness. In Washington, D.C., USA, there is the Holocaust Museum, which attracts thousands of tourists each year who want to learn and reflect on the event. Overall, a global effort has worked to ensure we can learn from the Holocaust and ensure it won’t happen