Download Web quest: Holocaust

World History
Name ____________________________________
Unit 6. Ch. 28
Date _____________________ Hour _________
(Pages 835-863)
Introduction
Web quest: Holocaust
The Holocaust was a terrible and tragic time in modern history during which millions of people were
systematically destroyed by Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime. These people were targeted by the Nazis because of
their beliefs, background, heritage, and/or their lifestyle.
We are studying the Holocaust to remember the horror and destruction that evil will do when given
the opportunity.
Germany Post World War I
Site: The Seeds of Evil: The Rise of Hitler
1. What were the social consequences of World War I for Germany?
2. What were the economic consequences of World War I for Germany?
3. What political changes occurred in Germany after World War I?
4. During World War I, Germany lost an estimated 1.7 million young men. How do you think this
affected the country of Germany?
Germany Post World War I
Site: The Treaty of Versailles
5. Discuss some of the negative repercussions that the Treaty of Versailles had on Germany.
Anti – Semitism
Site: Anti-Semitism
6. What is anti-Semitism?
7. How did the horrors of the Holocaust originate from this prejudice?
Rise of Nazism
Site: The Rise of Nazism in Germany (read pages 47-50)
8. According to this website, what factors contributed to make the horrific events of the Holocaust
possible?
9. Why did the political, economic, and social state of Germany after World War I allow Hitler to
gain such extensive political power?
10. Describe the racial theories of the Nazis.
11. Have any other groups throughout history had similar theories about race? Give one example.
12. List several anti-Jew policies set in place by the Nazis. How did these policies serve weaken the
Jewish population of Germany?
Adolf Hitler's Rise to Power (these are pictures)
Site: Adolf's Rise to Power
13. What characteristics and talents made Adolf Hitler a popular leader?
14. How did Adolf Hitler gain control of the German military?
Nazi Propaganda
Site: Nazi Posters: 1933-1945
15. The Nazis used propaganda to successfully win over millions of followers. Define propaganda.
16. Choose two posters that you think are particularly interesting. What is the overall message
behind the posters?
17. How did the Nazis draw upon the emotions of the viewer? The logic and intelligence of the
viewer?
18. How did the poster portray Nazis? German citizens? Jewish individuals?
The Third Reich and the Nazi State
Site: German Police in the Nazi State
19. Although the police originally had doubts about the Nazi party, they were soon won over by
Hitler and his regime. List three of the ways that Hitler gained the support of the police.
20. Why did Hitler put forth such effort in winning over the police force?
21. Over time the police became fused with Nazi SS and SD. How were these two forces different from
the traditional police force?
22. How did the SS and the SD assist Hitler with his evil plans?
The Third Reich and the Nazi State
Site: Final Solution
The “Final Solution” describes Hitler’s master plan to eliminate all of the Jews from Germany. This
process took place over several steps.
23. One of the first steps was to place Jews and other “non-Aryans” into ghettos. How would this
movement help further his plan?
24. Nazis began killing off entire populations of Jewish people. Why do you think these acts were
tolerated? Why didn’t anyone speak up?
Kristallnacht
Site: Holocaust Timeline
25. What does the name “Kristallnacht” stand for? Why is this name an appropriate name for this night?
26. Adolf Hitler had been in power for several years prior to this attack on the Jews. Why did he
decide to make this direct attack now?
27. Describe the extent of the destruction that occurred during the Kristallnacht.
28. How do you react to the quote at the end of the page?
Kristallnacht
Site: Destruction of Synagogues
29. What is a synagogue?
30. What is the significance of setting these particular buildings on fire?
The Star of David
Site: Star of David: Photographs and Overview
31. The Star of David is a symbol used to represent Judaism. It is usually meant as a symbol of pride
and religious devotion. Was this the intention of the Nazis? What did the Star of David symbolize
to the Nazis?
32. Why did the Nazis force Jewish men, women, and children to wear the yellow Star of David on their clothing?
33. What was the penalty for not wearing the yellow star?
34. Describe other measures that were included in the “special treatment” of the Jews.
Nazi Treatment of the Jews
Site: Auschwitz
35. What was the phrase written above the entrance of Auschwitz?
36. What is ironic about this phrase?
37. Besides the SS guards, who else was involved in the extermination of the prisoners?
38. Why was roll call such a prevalent activity at Auschwitz?
Stuart Nichols's visit to Auschwitz
Site: Concentration Camp Photos
39. Describe the overall atmosphere of the photographs.
Maps of Birkenau and Mauthausen
Site: Maps of Birkenau and Mauthausen
40. Explore the interactive maps of the concentration camps. Describe at least one photograph that
stuck out to you.
Gates to Hell
Site: Death Camps
41. What are the names of the six death camps that the Nazis established?
Holocaust Survivors and Their Stories
Site: Survivor Stories
Choose one survivor story to read in its entirety.
42. Describe the situation that your survivor had to endure.
43. Can you relate to any aspect of your survivor’s life before, during, and/or after World War II?
(Maybe you shared a common interest, family life, or were the same age.)
44. What was your reaction to your survivor’s story? Did anything surprise you? Upset you?