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WWI and the Treaty We have already looked in depth at the Treaty of Versailles and the bitter resentment building up in Germany over the peace time conditions. We’ve looked at revolutionary governments forming in Italy and Russia. We know that European countries are tired and war torn… no one wants another war. Everyone wants peace and to heal from the travesty of WWI. We know the German people are tired and hurting and want to make a change within their society. World War I ended in 1918 with a grisly total of 37 million casualties, including 9 million dead combatants. German propaganda had not prepared the nation for defeat, resulting in a sense of injured German national pride. Those military and political leaders who were responsible claimed that Germany had been "stabbed in the back" by its leftwing politicians, Communists, and Jews. When a new government, the Weimar Republic, tried to establish a democratic course, extreme political parties from both the right and the left struggled violently for control. The new regime could neither handle the depressed economy nor the rampant lawlessness and disorder. Conditions are ripe in Germany for a Fascist takeover. So… where does Hitler come in? How do a gang of unemployed soldiers from WWI in 1919 become the new fascist government in Germany 14 years later? How did Hitler seize power and declare himself Führer of Germany in 1933? How did the Nazi party rise to prominence and dominate politics for nearly 30 years? Hitler’s Early Life Hitler was born to a poor low-middle class family. He had 6 siblings (4 died in childhood or infancy). Hitler wanted to become a priest or a monk when he was very young. He lived across the street from a Benedictine monastery whose symbol included a swastika in the Coat of Arms. His father was strict, but his mother spoiled him. Hitler’s father died when he was young of lung disease. His mother died when he was 16 of breast cancer (she underwent several painful failed surgeries). Hitler did not do well in school. He wanted to be an artist, but was not talented enough to be admitted to the Art Institute of Vienna. Hitler was a vagrant by 1913, wandering and traveling around Europe. When WWI began, his hatred of foreigners (xenophobia) had him enlist in the war effort as a Bavarian soldier. Hitler worked as an informer; his primary focus was locating and arresting Communists and Marxists from the German military. He also became an educator for political prisoners being released and an orator in military academy. Hitler was immediately recognized as a powerful speaker in the military with a strong sense of nationalism and German pride. One of his last assignments was to investigate the German Workers Party for Communist ties or other subversive activity. The German Workers' Party, the forerunner of the Nazi Party, espoused a right-wing ideology, like many similar groups of demobilized soldiers. Hitler was disillusioned with his experience after WWI and the disgrace of the Versailles Treaty. Adolf Hitler joined this small political party in 1919 and rose to leadership through his emotional and captivating speeches. (He was member #5 on the official roster.) He encouraged national pride, militarism, and a commitment to the Volk and a racially "pure" Germany. Hitler condemned the Jews, exploiting anti-Semitic feelings that had prevailed in Europe for centuries. He changed the name of the party to the National Socialist German Workers' Party, called for short, the Nazi Party (or NSDAP). By the end of 1920, the Nazi Party had about 3,000 members. A year later Hitler became its official leader, or Führer. Adolf Hitler attempted an armed overthrow of local authorities in Munich, known as the Beer Hall Putsch It failed miserably when Hitler miscalculated and trusted the Munich officials to keep their word of loyalty. The Nazi Party seemed doomed to fail and its leaders, including Hitler, were subsequently jailed and charged with high treason. However, Hitler used the courtroom at his public trial as a propaganda platform, ranting for hours against the Weimar government. By the end of the 24-day trial Hitler had actually gained support for his courage to act. The right-wing presiding judges sympathized with Hitler and sentenced him to only five years in prison, with eligibility for early parole. Hitler was released from prison after one year. Other Nazi leaders were given light sentences also. Mein Kampf While in prison, Hitler wrote volume one of Mein Kampf (My Struggle), which was published in 1925. Volume II was published in 1926. English translations were published in 1933 throughout the world despite opposition. The book went into publication again in 1979, This work detailed Hitler's radical ideas of German nationalism, anti-Semitism, and antiBolshevism. Linked with Social Darwinism, Hitler argued that through the human struggle: “might makes right.” Hitler's book became the ideological base for the Nazi Party's racist beliefs and murderous practices. The Rise of the Third Reich A New Beginning 1925 Hitler learned from the chaos of the failed “Nazi Revolution” Under a two year ban on public speaking, Hitler reorganized the Nazi Party and reestablished himself as party leader. Hitler established the Hitler Youth Hitler reorganized the SA (storm troopers- street thugs) and developed the SS (Hitler’s personal body guards) Membership in the party was at 27,000 “The Quiet Years” 1926-1929 Unfortunately, for Hitler, life in Germany was slowly improving under the Second Reich. Paul von Hindenburg, a famous WWI general, was elected president of Germany. The government was finding ways around the Treaty of Versailles. Life in Germany was becoming stable. The Locarno Agreement and the Dawes Plan The Great Depression October 29,1929 The Stock Market crash that began the Great Depression in the United States had disastrous effects internationally Why do you think the Great Depression in the United States would hurt Germany half a continent away? Hitler’s chance The rapid economic crisis led to mass unemployment, bank crashes, rapid inflation, and shortages of food and supplies. Again, the conditions for Hitler were prime and Hitler began immediate political tactics to solidify his legal position in parliament. How does Hitler become so popular so quickly? Discontent: Versailles Treaty Surrender or the Rhineland and Ruhr Territory Great Depression of 1930’s “Political right” want monarchy… democracy not working. Ideology: Nations of fellowship Opposed to Communism Promoted morality and righteousness Promoted authoritarian leadership Anti-semitic Political tactics Mass meetings Uniforms Banners Powerful orators 148 mass rallies in 8 months 1st politician to use air power to travel Played on pride and sensibilities (emotions) Propaganda Hitler and Goebbels: Dominate Munich newspapers. Goebbels later becomes propaganda minister. Appeal to the masses with slogans. Charismatic leadership Hitler’s magnetism Strong emotional propaganda Strong and impressive orators Sense of order and discipline within party Support from bourgeoisie members Support from military leaders Political Growth Between 1920 and 1933, the Nazi party will grow from an underrepresented political party to the only political system in Germany In September 1930, after a whirlwind political and propaganda campaign, the Nazi party earned 18% of the votes which equaled 107 seats. Membership had grown to 108,000 They became the second largest political party. Hitler’s main campaign slogan: Tear Up the Treaty of Versailles Presidential Election of 1932 Hitler ran for president in 1932. The slogan: “Freedom and Bread” In the election, Hitler earned 36% of the vote, more than anyone thought. Even though Hitler lost, he made a very strong showing in the election, indicating a solid power base in parliament. Sex, Lies… and political intrigue Over the next year, there was political intrigue behind the scenes between high political officials and the chancellorship was reassigned twice. Hitler repeatedly made a move for higher positions in government. He was initially thwarted by other high officials who were also making a move for chancellorship. Hitler refused to work with other government officials. As the second largest political party at the time, he was in a position of negotiation and power. On January 30, 1933 the President finally assigned the Chancellorship to Hitler in order to establish some stability and to thwart rumors of a military takeover. He was chosen as chancellor because the president and his opponents thought he would be malleable. Hitler was repeatedly underestimated by his political opponents. Hitler is now poised for total takeover of the government Nazi Power Structure Hitler Chancellor Papan Vice Chancellor Rosenberg Ministry and Press Himmler Leader of the SS Hess Hitler’s Secretary (transcribed Mein Kampf) Goring Minister of the Interior Frick: Internal Security Minister of the Interior Straicher: Media and Press Rohm: Leader of the SA All of the Ministry were supporters of Hitler prior to 1933 except Papen who was a political compromise in collusion with Hitler. Papen would be the first to be “eliminated” from political power. Sent by telegram to from General Erich Ludendorff to President Hindenburg "By appointing Hitler Chancellor of the Reich you have handed over our sacred German Fatherland to one of the greatest demagogues of all time. I prophesy to you this evil man will plunge our Reich into the abyss and will inflict immeasurable woe on our nation. Future generations will curse you in your grave for this action." Ideology of Hitler What did he believe? Squashed -squashed version of Mein Kampf 25 points of the NSDAP - Citizenship Demand union of German people with selfdetermination. (Pan German Nationalism) 2. Rights equal to other nations (abolish the Versailles Treaty) 3. Expand territory to accommodate the German people. (This is important… as it will lead to war.) 4. Only German blood allowed to become citizens of Germany. (No Jew can be a citizen) 5. Those who are not citizens must live in Germany as foreigners and must be subject to the law of aliens. 1. Citizenry and the State 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Only citizens can hold office. Only citizens can vote Every citizen shall have the opportunity for a good life. If not, foreigners are expelled to ensure good life. No immigration Everyone has equal rights and duties Everyone must work to benefit the State who will then make sure everyone benefits. 11-17 Anti Capitalist The next points dealt with the exaltation of the state. Earned income and private property was abolished, the state controlled all finances including personal loans. War profits was considered treasonous Small business was promoted over large business (why?) and minors were not allowed to work at all. Hitler used these points to appeal to the working masses; however, once he came to power, he was much more flexible on his points to appease the middle/upper class. Points 18-25 Society and Education 18. 19. 20. Traitors punished with death… no trial necessary… ummm… German Common Law replaces Roman law State controlled education: morality taught through the state. NO book learning; all curricula is designed around “real life” Especially bright children will be “adopted” and educated by the state for free. (more on this later) Continued… 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. National health, maternal welfare, compulsory physical ed… etc. (played into development of biological superiority and benefits for a superior race) Abolition of regular army and “nazified” national army. Press censorship and abolishment of Jews out of German press. Freedom of religion that promoted German (Nazi) ideology. Strong central authority to enforce these points. Nazi Seizure of Power Hitler as Chancellor Step 1– If you were a dictator: What would you do if you were Hitler in 1933 and just became Chancellor of Germany? How would you consolidate power? Learning objective: Students will examine Hitler’s actions to immediately consolidate power. Students will understand how Hitler’s 25 points outlined in Mein Kampf created a “blueprint” for his European domination plan. 1. Purge leaders within the Nazi party. Make sure everyone around him is completely loyal to him. 2. Gain control of all political principalities by appointing regional leaders who answer to him. 3. Abolish all state governments and consolidate all power to a central government. 4. Hold new elections to build his political base (replace the Parliament with a Nazi government) 5. Establish censorship of the opposition Hitler comes to power Once in power, he quickly ended German democracy and invoked a state of emergency, essentially declaring Hitler the German dictator. 38 The beginning of German aggression 1933-1939 on the Home Front The emergency clauses suspended constitutional rights including freedom of press, speech, and assembly. Special security forces, the Gestapo, the SA, and the SS arrested leaders of the opposing political parties But there was still opposition… and terror 39 Timeline of events in 1933 February 27 – Reichstag Fire blamed on the Communists despite lack of proof. March -- Socialist and Communist newspapers banned. Leaders arrested March-- Elections held, Nazi’s increase from 37% to 43.9% Passed the Enabling Acts (emergency laws) March 20 – Heinrich Himmler established the First concentration camps established for political prisoners (Dachau prison) CFU When did Hitler come to power? January 30, 1933 What major event occurred in Germany that Hitler manipulated as propaganda to solidify his power? The Reichstag Fire When did the Reichstag Fire occur? February 27, 1933 What was the Reichstag? The government building– Center of power More CFU Who did he accuse? Why? The Communists and Socialists to have an excuse to arrest his political enemies. What was the result of this event? Hitler declared a state of emergency, arrested his enemies and established the first concentration camps in Germany. He then held elections where he gained a greater majority of the seats, confirming his power. Why? • Why is it important for Hitler to eliminate free speech and press? • Why does Hitler arrest his opposition? • What is Hitler’s ultimate goal in early 1933? After you have control… keep it. If Hitler would have solely created an abusive and oppressive environment, he may not have been successful. However, he made promises to the people of Germany to reestablish German pride, avenge the German people in the International community, and to bring Germany to greatness again. … and now he meant to keep them. 1933-1939 Hitler was prepared to implement his International plan, so he systematically began implementing his Mein Kampf plan with his 25 points to keep his promises to destroy the TOV. 1. Hitler’s Point #2: Demands rights equal to other nations (abolish the Versailles Treaty) 1933-1934: Hitler pulled out of the League of Nations in protest and began to secretly rebuild the military. 1935: The fifteen year demilitarization clause of the ToV ended and the Saar/Ruhr region voted to return to German control. Hitler moved his troops into the Rhineland and the French built the Maginot Line (a defensive trench) to divide French and German troops. Hitler’s thoughts: “The forty-eight hours after the march into the Rhineland were the most nerveracking in my life….If the French had then marched into the Rhineland, we would have had to withdraw with our tails between our legs, for the military resources at our disposal would have been wholly inadequate for even moderate resistance.” No Reaction: Appeasement policy Hitler’s aggression in the Rhineland was a violation of ToV and Locarno. Hitler told his troops to withdraw at the first sign of resistance or confrontation. Because the British and the French did not oppose Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia or stop Hitler’s expansion, Hitler determined that the West was weak and decided to take more aggressive action. Britain and France knew they could not intervene because they did not have the military force to police the world. CFU Why was the Saar/Ruhr region so important to Hitler? ToV and necessary resources How did France react to Hitler’s actions? Pulled back and established the Maginot Line What is the Maginot Line? A defense line across the border of the Saar region Why didn’t France or Britain stop Hitler’s actions? They didn’t have the military strength to go to war. What was Hitler’s plan if France or Britain did show resistance? He claims he would have pulled back. How does Hitler feel after the Saar incident? He feels the West is weak and becomes more aggressive. Alliances and agreements Hitler signed a ten year non aggression pact with Poland in 1934. (pay attention) Hitler supported Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. In 1936, Hitler sent aid to Spain to support Franco’s (dictator) take over in the Spanish Civil War. “Pact of Steel” signed in 1939 Hitler formalized an alliance with Mussolini in Italy and General Franco in Spain. 2. Hitler’s #1 Point: Demanded union of German people with self-determination. (Pan German Nationalism) Anschluss: Hitler was determined to reunite Germany with Austria (his birthplace). In 1938, Hitler convinced the Austrian prime minister to accept high Nazi officials in the Austrian government (after he failed to kill him in 1934). Then, Hitler forced the Prime Minister to resign and declared himself “Fuhrer” of Austria. Hitler turns to Sudetenland and Czech. Later, in 1938, Hitler declared that the Sudetenland should be allowed to reunite with Germany under “selfdetermination” Hitler threatened war with Czechoslovakia if the Sudetenland was not ceded (again after he failed to kill the Czech President). Italy, Britain, and France intervened to avoid war and met with Hitler in Munich on September 28th. They conceded to Hitler’s demands without consulting the Czech government and Hitler took control of the Sudetenland. Anschluss Continued: •Hitler split Czechoslovakia into Czech and Slovakia. •He took over the rest of Czech in March of 1939. •Slovakia was declared “independent” and was put under control of a Nazi ally. Hitler also seized Memel and Danzig from Lithuania End of Appeasement The annexation of the Czech region forced Britain and France to pledge support to Poland by declaring war if Hitler attacked. Remember: Poland signed a pact with Germany in 1934 (a few years earlier). They thought Hitler would honor the Pact. CFU What was Hitler’s relationship in Poland in 1934? They signed the Ten Year Non-Aggression Pact What was the name of the agreement between Italy, Spain, and Germany? The Pact of Steel Which of the 25 Points justified the reunification of Germany and Austria? Point #1 – Pan Germanic Nation What was this unification called? Anschluss How did the West react when Hitler declared he wanted the Sudetenland? They called for the Munich Conference to avoid war. What did Hitler do in 1939 that made the West realize that war was imminent? He seized the rest of Czech region and declared Slovakia independent under his Nazi influence. What was this unification called? Anschluss How did the West react when Hitler declared he wanted the Sudetenland? They called for the Munich Conference to avoid war. What did Hitler do in 1939 that made the West realize that war was imminent? He seized the rest of Czech region and declared Slovakia independent under his Nazi influence. Quiz in 1 minutes!!! Study your notes about Hitler’s seizure of power, his actions in the Saar, and Anschluss. Please clear your desk Take out a blank sheet of paper. Put everything else away. Write your answers in complete sentences or write the question down. You do not have to do both. CFU When did Hitler come to power? What major event occurred in Germany that Hitler manipulated as propaganda to solidify his power? When did the Reichstag Fire occur? What was the Reichstag? More CFU Who did he accuse? Why? What was the result of this event? What law(s) did Hitler pass? When? What did they do? What was the name of the camp created by Himmler? CFU Why was the Saar/Ruhr region so important to Hitler? How did France react to Hitler’s actions? What is the Maginot Line? Why didn’t France or Britain stop Hitler’s actions? What was Hitler’s plan if France or Britain did show resistance? How does Hitler feel after the Saar incident? CFU What was Hitler’s relationship in Poland in 1934? What was the name of the agreement between Italy, Spain, and Germany? Which of the 25 Points justified the reunification of Germany and Austria? What was this unification called? How did the West react when Hitler declared he wanted the Sudetenland? What did Hitler do in 1939 that made the West realize that war was imminent? CFU When did Hitler come to power? January 30, 1933 What major event occurred in Germany that Hitler manipulated as propaganda to solidify his power? The Reichstag Fire When did the Reichstag Fire occur? February 27, 1933 What was the Reichstag? The government building– Center of power More CFU Who did he accuse? Why? The Communists and Socialists to have an excuse to arrest his political enemies. What was the result of this event? Hitler declared a state of emergency, arrested his enemies and established the first concentration camps in Germany. He then held elections where he gained a greater majority of the seats, confirming his power. What law(s) did Hitler pass? When? What did they do? Hitler passed the Enabling Acts on March 20, 1933. They declared a permanent state of emergency, making him Fuhrer (dictator). What was the name of the camp Himmler created? Dachau CFU Why was the Saar/Ruhr region so important to Hitler? ToV and necessary resources How did France react to Hitler’s actions? Pulled back and established the Maginot Line What is the Maginot Line? A defense line across the border of the Saar region Why didn’t France or Britain stop Hitler’s actions? They didn’t have the military strength to go to war. What was Hitler’s plan if France or Britain did show resistance? He claims he would have pulled back. How does Hitler feel after the Saar incident? He feels the West is weak and becomes more aggressive. CFU What was Hitler’s relationship in Poland in 1934? They signed the Ten Year Non-Aggression Pact What was the name of the agreement between Italy, Spain, and Germany? The Pact of Steel Which of the 25 Points justified the reunification of Germany and Austria? Point #1 – Pan Germanic Nation What was this unification called? Anschluss How did the West react when Hitler declared he wanted the Sudetenland? They called for the Munich Conference to avoid war. What did Hitler do in 1939 that made the West realize that war was imminent? He seized the rest of Czech region and declared Slovakia independent under his Nazi influence. Where is Russia in this? Britain and France knew that war was imminent and asked Russia to join in an alliance against German aggression. They discovered that Stalin didn’t trust the West and had already signed an agreement with Germany on August 23, 1939: The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. (it has many names) Ten Year Nazi-Soviet Non Aggression Pact: In this agreement, both Germany and Russia promised not to attack the other country if war broke out. This allowed Germany to focus on a one-front war. Russia had more time to prepare for war and gained land and influence in the east of Europe. (Stalin never actually trusted Hitler to keep his word not to attack…) Secrets… and lies… In the Non-Aggression Pact, it was later discovered there were 4 secret agreements between Germany and the Soviet Union: Basically, Germany and Russia carved Europe into East and West as equal continental rulers. CFU What is the name of the agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union? The Nazi-Soviet Non Aggression Pact What was the agreement that the public knew? Germany and Russia would not attack each other in war. What was the secret part of the agreement? Germany and Russia planned to divide Europe equally after the war. Hitler’s Point #3- Expand territory to accommodate the German people “Further successes can no longer be attained without the shedding of blood…Danzig is not the subject of the dispute at all. It is a question of expanding our living space in the east…there is no question of sparing Poland.” A. Hitler Poland falls. Promise broken: Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939 under the concept of Lebensraum (living space). He declared that Germans were being mistreated in Poland and as a superior race, the Poles needed to be subdued. Further, he declared that Poland truly belonged to the German people. WWII: In response to the Polish invasion, France and Britain kept their word and declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939. WWII officially began. CFU Where did Hitler turn his attention to after Czechoslovakia? Poland What did the West do in response? Promised to declare war and support Poland. What justification did Hitler use for his aggressiveness? Poland was mistreating Germans and Germans were superior and needed this space. CFU: What is the German word for this policy? Lebensraum = Living space Which of the 25 Points aligns to this policy? Point # 3 What was the outcome of this aggression? WWII began. Who or what was to blame for war? Versailles Treaty for harsh treatment of Germans League of Nations and failure of collective security The world economic crisis Was Hitler to blame? Martin Gilbert Hitler wanted to remove stigma of WWI loss “the only antidote to defeat in one war is victory in the next” Hugh Trevor-Roper and others believe Hitler planned a major war from the beginning To destroy Russia Evidence for this is taken from Mein Kampf and the Hossbach Memorandum (meeting Nov. 5, 1937, Lebensraum plans– and demanded German officials continue his plans as outlined in his will.) If true appeasement is not to blame and the German people would not be at fault Were Appeasers to blame? Some Historians argue Britain and France should have taken a firm line with Hitler Alan Bullock “success and the absence of resistance tempted Hitler to reach out further, to take bigger risks” Chamberlains critics argue he stood firm for the wrong cause It would have been better to stand firm with Czechoslovakia than Poland who was more difficult to defend and weaker militarily Did Hitler intend a major war? A.J.P. Taylor: Hitler did not intend to cause a major war and expected at most a short war with Poland Taylor was seen as trying to “whitewash” Hitler by his critics Not accepted by most historians today Did Soviets make war inevitable? Argued that by signing the nonaggression pact it allowed Germany to begin war Russian historians justify pact on the grounds it gave USSR time to establish its defenses What do you think? Who do you blame for the start of WWII? Hitler? Britain and France? Other? Why? Do you believe Hitler intended a large war from the beginning? Why? Is 1939 the beginning of WWII? Other events around the world: A world in Crisis! A “Just” War: Was the war necessary? Focus: Generally, Americans view war as a “necessary evil,” a job that has to be done to get on with normal life. In studying World War II students can explore some central philosophical questions about war and its impact on society. Activity: Review the quotes individually and reflect on their thoughts about the justification for war. Once you have thought about the quotes, stand on the long line where you feel your view falls between the two quotes. No one should take a “neutral” stand. Be prepared to explain the reasons for placing yourself along the line. Quote 1: “Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.” – Ernest Hemingway Quote 2: “I don’t think there is such a thing as a good war. There are sometimes necessary wars. And I think one might say just wars. And I never questioned the necessity of that war. And I still do not question it. It was something that had to be done.” – Sam Hynes, THE WAR Hitler’s Domestic Policies: The Holocaust March 24 – Enabling Act passed Chancellor gets to write the law and can pass law through cabinet instead of Parliament President retains the right to declare a state of emergency April 1, 1933 – The Nazi’s begin a boycott of all Jewish shops and businesses April 11, 1933 - Nazis issue a decree defining a non-Aryan as "anyone descended from non-Aryan, especially Jewish, parents or grandparents. One parent or grandparent classifies the descendant as non-Aryan...especially if one parent or grandparent was of the Jewish faith." April 26, 1933 - The Gestapo is born, created by Hermann Göring in the German state of Prussia. May 10, 1933 - Burning of books in Berlin and throughout Germany. In July - Nazis pass law allowing for forced sterilization of those found by a Hereditary Health Court to have genetic defects. July 14, 1933 - Nazi Party is declared the only legal party in Germany; Also, Nazis pass Law to strip Jewish immigrants from Poland of their German citizenship. In Sept - Nazis establish Reich Chamber of Culture, then exclude Jews from the Arts. Sept 29, 1933 - Nazis prohibit Jews from owning land. Oct 4, 1933 - Jews are prohibited from being newspaper editors. Nov 24, 1933 - Nazis pass a Law against Habitual and Dangerous Criminals, which allows beggars, the homeless, alcoholics and the unemployed to be sent to concentration camps. Jan 24, 1934 - Jews are banned from the German Labor Front. May 17, 1934 - Jews not allowed national health insurance. June 30, 1934 - The Night of Long Knives occurs as Hitler, Göring and Himmler conduct a purge of the SA (storm trooper) leadership. July 20, 1934 - The SS (Schutzstaffel) is made an independent organization from the SA. July 22, 1934 - Jews are prohibited from getting legal qualifications. Aug 2, 1934 - German President von Hindenburg dies. Hitler becomes Führer. Aug 19, 1934 - Hitler receives a 90 percent 'Yes' vote from German voters approving his new powers. May 21, 1935 - Nazis ban Jews from serving in the military. June 26, 1935 - Nazis pass law allowing forced abortions on women to prevent them from passing on hereditary diseases. Aug 6, 1935 - Nazis force Jewish performers/artists to join Jewish Cultural Unions. Sept 15, 1935 - Nuremberg Race Laws against Jews decreed. Feb 10, 1936 - The German Gestapo is placed above the law. In March - SS Deathshead division is established to guard concentration camps. March 7, 1936 - Nazis occupy the Rhineland. June 17, 1936 - Heinrich Himmler is appointed chief of the German Police. In Aug - Nazis set up an Office for Combating Homosexuality and Abortions (by healthy women). In Jan 1937- Jews are banned from many professional occupations including teaching Germans, and from being accountants or dentists. They are also denied tax reductions and child allowances. March 12/13, 1938 - Nazi troops enter Austria, which has a population of 200,000 Jews, mainly living in Vienna. Hitler announces Anschluss (union) with Austria. In March - After the Anschluss, the SS is placed in charge of Jewish affairs in Austria with Adolf Eichmann establishing an Office for Jewish Emigration in Vienna. Himmler then establishes Mauthausen concentration camp near Linz. April 22, 1938 - Nazis prohibit Aryan 'front-ownership' of Jewish businesses. April 26, 1938 - Nazis order Jews to register wealth and property. June 14, 1938 - Nazis order Jewish owned businesses to register. In July - At Evian, France, the U.S. convenes a League of Nations conference with delegates from 32 countries to consider helping Jews fleeing Hitler, but results in inaction as no country will accept them. July 6, 1938 - Nazis prohibited Jews from trading and providing a variety of specified commercial services. July 23, 1938 - Nazis order Jews over age 15 to apply for identity cards from the police, to be shown on demand to any police officer. July 25, 1938 - Jewish doctors prohibited by law from practicing medicine. Aug 11, 1938 - Nazis destroy the synagogue in Nuremberg. Aug 17, 1938 - Nazis require Jewish women to add Sarah and men to add Israel to their names on all legal documents including passports. Sept 27, 1938 - Jews are prohibited from all legal practices. Oct 5, 1938 - Law requires Jewish passports to be stamped with a large red "J.“ Oct 15, 1938 - Nazi troops occupy the Sudetenland. Oct 28, 1938 - Nazis arrest 17,000 Jews of Polish nationality living in Germany, then expel them back to Poland which refuses them entry, leaving them in 'no-man's land' near the Polish border for several months. Nov 7, 1938 - Ernst vom Rath, third secretary in the German Embassy in Paris, is shot and mortally wounded by Herschel Grynszpan, the 17 year old son of one of the deported Polish Jews. Rath dies on November 9, precipitating Kristallnacht. Nov 9/10 - Kristallnacht - The Night of Broken Glass. Nov 12, 1938 - Nazis fine Jews one billion marks for damages related to Kristallnacht. Nov 15, 1938 - Jewish pupils are expelled from all nonJewish German schools. Dec 3, 1938 - Law for compulsory Aryanization of all Jewish businesses. Dec 14, 1938 - Hermann Göring takes charge of resolving the "Jewish Question." Jan 24, 1939 - SS leader Reinhard Heydrich is ordered by Göring to speed up emigration of Jews. Jan 30, 1939 - Hitler threatens Jews during Reichstag speech. Feb 21, 1939 - Nazis force Jews to hand over all gold and silver items. March 15/16 - Nazi troops seize Czechoslovakia (Jewish pop. 350,000). April 19, 1939 - Slovakia passes its own version of the Nuremberg Laws. April 30, 1939 - Jews lose rights as tenants and are relocated into Jewish houses. In May - The St. Louis, a ship crowded with 930 Jewish refugees, is turned away by Cuba, the United States and other countries and returns to Europe. July 4, 1939 - German Jews denied the right to hold government jobs. July 21, 1939 - Adolf Eichmann is appointed director of the Prague Office of Jewish Emigration. Sept 1, 1939 - Nazis invade Poland (Jewish pop. 3.35 million, the largest in Europe). Beginning of SS activity in Poland. Sept 1, 1939 - Jews in Germany are forbidden to be outdoors after 8 p.m. in winter and 9 p.m. in summer. Sept 3, 1939 - England and France declare war on Germany. Why were Jews targets? Jews were persecuted for both ethnic and religious intolerance. More so, in the aftermath of WWI, many Jewish citizens were able to recover more quickly than others. They were shrewd business owners with strong community ties and rebuilt quickly with pre-war savings. They rebuilt financial and banking institutions. The German population (specifically the Nazis) resented the apparent success of the Jewish communities. 105 Jews were removed from government jobs, teaching positions, positions as lawyers, and any other “public positions”. In April 1933, A boycott of Jewish businesses began and by 1937, it was illegal for a Jew to own a business. Jews could not own any property by 1939 106 The cartoon shows a Jew politely asking for room on the bench, after which he shoves the previous inhabitant off. The poem notes that Jews behave the same way in other situations. 107 Most cartoons, like this one, depicted the German’s as a powerful race with the Jews cowering in fear at the German might. 108 Nazi Propaganda Cover: "When you see this symbol...“ Page 2: "Remember what the Jews have done to our people." The page reviews World War I, for which the Jews are held responsible, then states: "Now for the first time, World Jewry openly says what it wants: 'Germany must die!'“ Page 3: "And you can read the Jew's solution in the booklet The War Aim of World Plutocracy." A review of Kaufman's proposal follows. "The German Wehrmacht will ensure that World Jewry's terrible plan, as proclaimed by the Jew Kaufman, will never become reality. Page 4: "You must ensure through your behavior that Jewry never again has even the slightest influence on our people." 109 Newspapers, like the Der Sturmer, accuse Jews of being Satan and plotting to murder German Christians and steal their blood in Jewish rituals 110 Kristallnacht In November 1938, the Nazi’s organized a riot and attack against German and Austrian Jews. The “Night of the Broken Glass” included the physical destruction of synagogues (churches), stores, vandalization of homes, the arrest of Jewish men and the murder of many innocent Jews. 111 Nazi Targets Even though Jews were the primary target for Hitler and the Nazi regime, they persecuted other groups as well. In order to “justify” their abuse of “racially inferior” groups, the Nazi scientists instituted eugenics and other biological experiments and programs. 112 Eugenics laws from 1933-1935 320,000-350,000 individuals who were considered “inferior” were forced into involuntary “sterilization programs” through surgery or radiation. Included in these treatments were Jews, Gypsies, blacks, German-Africans, mentally and physically handicapped. Even 500 children were sterilized in the program. 113 Other’s persecuted Hitler also attacked those he considered “undesirables” or “enemies of the state”. These people were arrested and deported or placed in concentration camps. This included homosexuals, Catholics, Jehovah Witnesses, and political opponents. 114 1939-1945 The war begins! On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland and World War II began. The Polish were considered inferior or “subhuman” so the Germans began their quest to eradicate (eliminate, destroy) or enslave the Polish people. The first step was to eliminate university professors, artists, writers, politicians, and religious leaders. Large populations of the Polish were resettled into camps or pushed into other countries. 115 Their justification was that they needed to make more “living space” for the growing “superior” German race. Many Nazi families moved into the newly empty Polish homes and took over all of the “abandoned” possessions. As many as 50,000 “Aryan looking” children were kidnapped from Polish families and adopted by Nazi families. Later, these children were rejected for their lack of “pure blood.” They were placed in special children camps were they died of starvation, lethal injection, and disease. 116 A dislocated Jewish family A young Jewish boy 117 From chaos to insanity As the war progressed, the brutality increased. Initially, the “undesirables” were forced into relocation or labor camps. As the fighting began, Hitler and the Nazi regime began “euthanasia” programs. Prisoners of war, those classified as “undesirable”, children, and other victims were immediately killed in secret camps and hospitals. 118 From insanity to nihilism Over 400 ghettos were established and entire communities were evacuated. Nearly 3 million Jews were forced into these isolated areas. Within sealed ghettos, Jews died in tens of thousands to starvation, overcrowding, disease, exposure to cold, exhaustion and maltreatment. 119 Eventually, the Germans became so ruthless towards their enemies, their killings became “common activity”. Mobile killing squads were dispatched and murdered thousands in mass shootings. 33,000 people were murdered in two days during one bloody murder spree. 120 The Final Solution: In a secret memo between Hitler and his commanders, he demanded that all Jews, other undesirables, and all Nazi resistors be eradicated (killed) quickly and completely. Between 1942-1944, the Germans began eliminating the established ghettos and forced the Jews and other “undesirables” into “extermination camps” Six “killing sites” were established: Belzec, Sobibor, Treblinka, Chelmno, Majdanek, and Auschwitz-Birkenau. One million people died in Auschwitz alone. 121 Statistics of the Holocaust 91% of the Jewish population in Poland was killed. That equals 3,000,000 people. 1,100,000 Jews were killed in the USSR. The average survival rate for a Jewish person was 1%. Ultimately only 1 Jew survived for every 100 people. No European country was unaffected from the Nazi hatred. Nearly 6 MILLION Jews were killed during the Holocaust simply because they were Jewish. This map shows the number of deaths in each country. 122 Total casualties of war: The most recent estimates of the casualties from WWII, including Jews, “undesirables”, military, and civilians for both the Allies and the Axis total 72 Million people. That is twice as many people that live in the entire state of California. 123 Visual tour of Auschwitz http://www.historyplace.com/specials/slidesho ws/auschwitz/ausch-show001.htm Conversation with Elie Wiesel by Oprah Winfrey http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/200011/om ag_200011_elie.jhtml 124