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 A Roxy Regional Theatre Production Teacher’s Guide History of World War II Anne Frank lived in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and kept her diary from 1942 until 1944. World War II significantly impacted Anne’s experiences and is important to understanding her story. Based on what you have learned in history classes, textbooks or encyclopedias, answer the following questions about World War II. 1.
Name some of the events that preceded World War II in Europe. _______________________________________________________
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When did the war begin? _______________________________________________________
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What countries primarily constituted the Axis Powers and the Allies? _______________________________________________________
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What was the Nazi plan known as “The Final Solution”? How was it implemented? _______________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________ The Story of Your Life Write a story of your life like Anne does in her June 20, 1942, entry. Imagine that you are providing this information to your closest friend, so he or she will know you better. Be sure to include any significant events that have shaped your life. When you are finished, consider the differences and similarities between your background and Anne’s. ______________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________ Character Traits and Opinions Anne writes strong opinions about each person living in the “Secret Annexe” with her. Identify character traits for each of the following individuals. Describe Anne’s opinion of the person and how well Anne and the individual get along. • Mrs. Frank • Mr. Frank • Margot • Mrs. Van Daan • Mr. Van Daan • Peter • Mr. Dussel Challenges of Adolescence During the two years Anne lives in the “Secret Annexe” she experiences the difficulties of growing up. She encounters many of the troubles young people face today as they become adolescents. With a group, find examples in Anne’s diary of the following typical adolescent experiences. • asserting independence from parents • disagreeing with parents • forming one’s own identity; questioning one’s identity • questioning religious beliefs • developing romantic relationships • experiencing sibling rivalry Responsibility: Who Is Responsible? If you were a judge, how would you assess the responsibility of the individuals or groups listed below for what happened in the world between 1933 and 1945? (A) No responsibility (B) Little responsibility (C) Responsible (D) Very responsible ____ 1. Adolf Hitler, Chancellor of Germany ____ 2. One of Hitler’s direct subordinates, such as Heinrich Himmler or Joseph Goebbels ____ 3. A judge who carried out Hitler’s decrees for sterilization of the “mentally incompetent” and internment of “traitors” ____ 4. A doctor who participated in sterilization of Jews ____ 5. A factory owner who made enormous profits by producing Zyklon B gas ____ 6. A worker in a plant producing Zyklon B gas ____ 7. The American government, which limited immigration of Jews to the United States in the 1930s ____ 8. American factory owners who made profits in the 1930s producing weapons for Adolf Hitler ____ 9. A German who always respectfully gave the “Heil Hitler” salute in Germany ____ 10. A German who agreed to publicly take the Civil Servant Loyalty Oath (swearing eternal allegiance to Adolf Hitler) ____ 11. Parents who allowed their children to attend Hitler Youth meetings ____ 12. Children who joined the Hitler Youth ____ 13. A German who served as a concentration camp guard ____ 14. A German who refused to participate in the hiding or smuggling of Jews ____ 15. A teacher who taught Nazi propaganda in the German schools ____ 16. A Jewish ghetto leader appointed by the Nazis ____ 17. A Jewish prisoner who made weapons in the German weapons industry ____ 18. A Jewish father who decided his family would report for deportation rather than attempt to hide or escape “Just One Bag” Activity Bring a bag of things from home that you would take with you if you had to go into hiding for two years. The things you bring must fit inside a grocery bag. Share your items with a group of four classmates. After discussing the items you selected and why, combine the groups’ belongings into just one bag. This just means you will only be able to take ¼ of your original items. Prioritize. How do you decide who can take what? How do you think Anne felt trying to choose what to bring into hiding? How does this exercise help you to better understand any characters in the play?