Holocaust
Read THE HOLOCAUST READER, PART VI (Genocide and Holocaust)
1) In a single sentence IN YOUR OWN WORDS (IYOW), provide an OVERVIEW of this section.
2) For each chapter (23-26), provide a THESIS sentence and THREE specific pieces of evidence to support your thesis – what is each writer’s MAIN argument, and how does each writer support said argument? (Use 2-3 sentences for EACH and feel free to number them.)
3) Select ONE of the documents that you find MOST illuminating, and explain WHY in 4-5 sentences.
ideas you find MOST troubling or problematic, and why, with 3 specific pieces of evidence.
Part 2
Discuss THREE numbered HOLOCAUST-focused revelations you’ve had this week, and a single open-ended question for US to ponder
Add detail/go in-depth with revelations
Sample Solution
Overview: This section of The Holocaust Reader focuses on the scope, extent and consequences of the genocide of Jews and other persecuted groups during World War II.
Chapter 23 (Fein): Thesis: In this chapter, Helen Fein argues that the mass murder of European Jews by Nazi Germany is a clear example of systematic genocide against a distinct population. 1) Fein states that “the decision to attack Europe’s Jews was made long before 1941” (Fein, 1996), demonstrating that premeditation was involved in their extermination. 2) She further contends that “the perpetrators had knowledge of what they were doing – destroying an entire people” (Fein, 1996), emphasizing their intent in pursuing such policies. 3) Additionally, she cites evidence from testimonies given at various trials indicating that some perpetrators knew about or participated in committing atrocities against Jews (Fein, 1996).
Chapter 24 (Hilberg): Thesis: Raul Hilberg’s main argument is that the murders committed by Nazis during WWII can be classified as intentional acts based on prejudice and racial hatred towards Jewish people. 1) He claims that “anti-Jewish measures were coordinated policy decisions” (Hilberg, 2018), suggesting intentionality in their implementation. 2) Furthermore, he refers to documents from Nazi leaders which demonstrate “a planned program for total destruction” (Hilberg, 2018); thus implying a premeditated approach to eliminating targeted populations. 3) Lastly, Hilberg also highlights how Hitler used propaganda to incite anti-semitism throughout Europe creating a climate conducive for mass murder and persecution (Hilberg 2018).
Chapter 25(Levi): Thesis: Primo Levi’s main argument is centered around how institutionalization enabled state violence against the Jewish population during World War II by allowing extreme measures like deportation and concentration camps become normalized within society 1) He notes how “one could not reject [such] orders…because they had been issued with bureaucratic regularity” showing institutionalization even extended into areas seemingly unrelated to politics or war such as culture or education systems(Levi 2020). 2) Levi goes on to explain how institutions acted together with top government officials such as Adolf Eichmann who was part of SS organization using bureaucracy as tool for organizing mass murder(Levi 2020).3 )Lastly he suggests it was through these institutions individuals without any personal vendetta could commit heinous crimes without questioning them until after war ended due to normalizing process.(Levi 2020).
Chapter 26(Karsai): Thesis: In this chapter Gergely Karsai argues both direct violence between civilians played critical role alongside state terror when it came down extermination minorities in Eastern European countries including Hungary during WW2 .1.)Karsai points out though Hungarian regime tried hiding its guilt initially they later started encouraging citizens participation in violent acts toward minorities directly ,demonstrating active involvement of civil society engaging in terror acts.(Karsai 2021).2.)He also explains most common forms included punishments carried out shorty after invasion but there were cases where threats so widespread even those went beyond regulations set up regime itself.(Karsai 2021 ).3.) As well Karsia mentions findings pointing out locals intolerance level correlated deeply with increased rate guilty verdicts reached local court despite general lack legal proceedings proving just level direct violence possessed at time period.(Karsai 2021 )
