Unit 1- Europe
(WWI, WWII, Holocaust)
Compelling Questions:
How did the ending of World War I lead to
World War II and the rise of the Nazi party and the extermination of over 6 million people?
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How can I tell if a source is primary or secondary?
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How can I tell if a source is reputable?
Priority Standards:
SS.6.3. Gather relevant information from primary and secondary sources using the origin and authority of the source to guide the selection.
Suppporting Standards:
SS.6.22. Explain multiple causes and effects of events and developments in the past.
SS.6.20. Analyze connections among historical events and developments in various geographic and cultural contexts.
SS.6.21. Explain how and why perspectives of people have changed throughout different historical eras.
Primary Source #1
Speech by Adolf Hitler about The Treaty of Versailles​
The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, marked the end of World War I and was aimed at bringing peace among the warring nations, especially punishing Germany for its role in the conflict. The treaty had several key points: first, Germany had to accept full responsibility for causing the war, which meant they were blamed for all the damage and loss it caused. Second, Germany had to pay reparations, which were large sums of money, to the victorious countries like France and Britain. These reparations were meant to pay for the destruction caused during the war.
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Additionally, the Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to give up a significant amount of territory, including some of its colonies overseas and some of its land in Europe. This was meant to weaken Germany and prevent it from becoming too powerful again. The treaty also restricted the size of Germany's military forces, limiting the number of soldiers and the types of weapons they could have. Overall, the treaty was very harsh on Germany, and many Germans felt it was unfair and humiliating. This resentment and the economic hardships caused by the treaty would later contribute to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the outbreak of World War II.
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Below is an excerpt from a speech given on April 17th, 1923 by Adolf Hitler explaining his view of the Treaty and how Germany should respond in his eyes.
Key Vocabulary:
Treaty- a formal agreement between countries
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Reparations- paying for a wrong that has been done
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Territory- area of land under control of a ruler or country
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Colonies- an area under the control of a distant country
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Economic Hardship- having too little money or resources
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Republic- a state or government where power is held by the people and their elected representatives.
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Social Reform- cultural change in the accepted laws and norms over time
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Movement- an organized effort to achieve a goal
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Fatherland- native land or land of one's father or ancestors
Key Vocabulary:
Allied Forces- American, British, Soviet, Chinese, and other military forces who banded together to fight against the Axis Forces in WWII
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Axis Forces- German, Italian, and Japanese forces who banded together to fight against the Allied forces in WWII
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Front- the line or area where opposing forces meet and engage in combat
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Tyranny- cruel, unreasonable, and oppressive power or control
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Nazis- members of the far-right National Socialist German Workers' Party during WWII
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Operation Overlord- the name of the military operation that included the amphibious (or from the water) landings in Normandy, France
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Normandy- the northern coast of France facing the English Channel
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English Channel- a body of water separating England from France
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Crusade- a holy or honorable military effort
Primary Source #2
General Eisenhower's D-Day Message:
On June 6th, 1944, General Dwight Eisenhower sent a message to Allied Troops to emphasize the importance of the D-Day Landings.
What D-Day stands for is still somewhat disputed.
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"Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
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You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you."
-Order of the Day, General Dwight Eisenhower​
Key Vocabulary:
Holocaust- the mass killing of European Jews during WWII
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Partisans- someone who supports one political party
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Anti-Semitism- hatred, hostility, or prejudice against Jewish people
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Concentration Camp- a place where a government forces people to live without a trial
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Persecution- ill-treatment of someone based on their religion, ethnicity, or some other aspect
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Humanity- being human, aspects of being human
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Capacity- a person's ability to do something