Armenian Genocide Presentation

Speaker Cards

Cue Card 1 - Introduction

Armenian Genocide during World War I, starting 1915

Carried out by Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey)

One of the first modern genocides

~1.5 million Armenians killed

Turkey claims deaths were due to war, says ~300,000

Still controversial and debated today

Cue Card 2 - Who Were the Armenians?

Christian ethnic group

Lived in region for thousands of years

One of first Christian nations

Minority in a Muslim empire

Faced discrimination, higher taxes, fewer rights

Often seen as “outsiders”

Cue Card 3 - Armenians in the Ottoman Empire

Many were loyal citizens

Worked as merchants, professionals, farmers

Ottoman government accused them of disloyalty

Feared Armenians would help Russia

Used fear as an excuse for violence

Cue Card 4 – Causes of the Genocide

World War I created fear and instability
Ottoman leaders feared Armenian support for Russia
Nationalism was rising in the empire
The government wanted an ethnically Turkish state
Religious and ethnic tensions had existed for years

Cue Card 5 – April 24, 1915

April 24, 1915 marked the beginning of the genocide
Armenian leaders and intellectuals were arrested
Many were executed
Communities were left without leadership
This date is remembered every year

Cue Card 6 – What Happened Next

Armenians were forced from their homes
They were told they were being relocated
In reality, these were mass deportations
Families were marched long distances
Many were sent toward the Syrian desert

Cue Card 7 – Death Marches

Little or no food and water was provided
Marches took place in extreme heat
Many died from starvation and dehydration
Disease and exhaustion killed thousands
Others were murdered along the way

Cue Card 8 – Methods Used

Forced marches
Mass executions and shootings
Separation of families
Confiscation of Armenian property
Use of concentration camps in desert areas

Cue Card 9 – Destruction of Communities

Entire villages were destroyed
Churches and schools were demolished
Armenian culture was targeted
Survivors were left homeless or orphaned

Cue Card 10 – International Response

Foreign diplomats and missionaries were aware
Some documented the killings
Some helped refugees
Very little was done to stop the genocide
World War I distracted major powers

Cue Card 11 – After the War

Some trials were held
Most Ottoman leaders escaped punishment
Justice was never fully achieved

Cue Card 12 – Denial

The Turkish government denies it was a genocide
Deaths are blamed on war and famine
Denial continues today
This causes pain for Armenian descendants

Cue Card 13 – Recognition

Most historians recognize it as genocide
Many countries officially recognize it
The United States recognized it in 2021
Recognition helps preserve historical truth

Cue Card 14 – Why It Matters Today

Shows how hatred and propaganda lead to violence
Helped define the modern term genocide
Honors the victims and survivors
Helps prevent future genocides

Cue Card 15 – Conclusion

The Armenian Genocide was a planned attempt to destroy a people
Over 1.5 million lives were lost
Remembering ensures victims are not forgotten
Learning history helps prevent repetition