Nazi Germany 1933–39

Develop knowledge and understanding

To deepen your knowledge and challenge common misunderstandings, you will learn: l About who the Nazis were and their key ideas. l How and why many Germans willingly supported Hitler and the Nazis. l About how the Nazis falsely and unfairly blamed Jews for many of Germany’s problems. l That Hitler and the Nazis did not seize power by force but were invited into government. l About the ways in which the Nazis controlled peoples’ lives after 1933 and how they used terror and violence. l What concentration camps were and why they were created. l That the Nazis had a racist worldview which saw certain minority groups as enemies or threats. l How and why the Nazis persecuted different minority groups.

Think historically

Explanation

It is important to understand how and why certain groups were persecuted in Nazi Germany. See the ‘Enemies and threats’ Activity in Chapter 2.3. Choose one of the groups that were persecuted by the Nazis. l Describe how this group was treated by the Nazis. l Explain why the Nazis treated this group in this way. l Why do you think the Nazis were able to treat this group in this way? (Think about the levels of support for the Nazis in Germany as well as their use of terror).

Discuss

l How important do you think propaganda was in explaining why the Nazis came to power? l How far do you agree that the German people were forced to support Hitler because of fear and terror?

The BIG question: How and why did the Holocaust happen?

Look back at the notes you have previously written. As you are studying Unit 2, what new information, ideas or understanding do you have about this big question?