history holocaust

Holocaust

 The systematic, state-sponsored persecution and genocide of approximately six million European Jews by Nazi Germany and its allies and collaborators. 1933-45 HOWEVER other groups including the disabled, Soviet and Polish war prisoners, Polish civilians and elites, political opponents, Jehovah’s witnesses and gay men were killed by the Nazis and its Allies via industrual mehtods

 industrial methods

systematic killing of large populations using technology, and organised methods to maximise efficiency

1933-45

holocaust dates

Jews blamed for Germany’s loss in WWI and 1920-30 depression(economic). Generally, Jews were viewed as CHrist killers and racial prejudice was popular.

Why were the Jews targeted by the nazi regime?

Antisemitism

 Prejudice, hostility or discrimination directed against Jewish people.

Persecution 

The systematic mistreatment of individuals or groups because of their identity, beliefs or membership of a particular group.

Ideology

 A system of ideas and beliefs that shapes how individuals or governments understand society and justify actions.

Propaganda 

Information designed to influence attitudes and behaviour, often by presenting a selective or distorted message.

Discrimination 

Unequal or unfair treatment of people because they belong, or are believed to belong, to a particular group.

Dehumanisation 

Representing or treating people as less than fully human.

State-sponsored 

Organised, authorised or supported by government institutions.

Collaborator 

A person, organisation or government that assists another group in carrying out particular actions.

Genocide 

The intentional destruction, in whole or in part, of a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.

Genocidal process 

The connected social, political and institutional processes through which genocide can develop.

Stanton’s 10 Stages of Genocide 

An analytical framework describing ten interconnected processes associated with genocide: classification, symbolisation, discrimination, dehumanisation, organisation, polarisation, preparation, persecution, extermination and denial. Stanton stresses that these are not necessarily linear and can occur simultaneously.

Bureaucracy

A system of governance characterised by hierarchy, clear rules, procedures, efficiency and rationality, focus on written documentation e.g. HR: uses documentation, enforces policy, uses procedures to complete tasks