Lesson 3

The Aftermath of World War I: Germans, Jews and Anti-Semitism

Lesson Objectives:

As a result of this lesson, students will:

• Understand the major effects of World War I on Germany.
• Gain a minimal knowledge of the history of anti-Semitism and the status of Jews in Europe in the 20th century.

Key Glossary Terms:

The following glossary terms are used in Lesson 3.

1. Alienation
2. Anti-Semitism
3. Dolchstosslegende {dolsh-shtoss-leggendeh}
4. Freikorps
5. Left-wing (political)
6. National Socialism
7. Nationalism
8. Nazi Party
9. Reich
10. Reichstag
11. Right-wing (political)
12. Scapegoat
13. Stereotype
14. Weimar Republic

Instructional Materials:

• Reading 3A, "Consequences of Germany's Defeat in World War I"
• Reading 3B, "Brief History of Anti-Semitism"
• Reading 3C, "Politics"

Teaching Sequence:

Reading: Reading 3A, "Consequences of Germany's Defeat in World War I" (10 minutes)

Read "Consequences of Germany's Defeat in World War I" aloud to students and have them follow along.

NOTE TO TEACHER: It is important to stress that the events that contributed to the rise of Nazism were not simple cause-effect. Each event was complex and must be considered as a consequence of an accumulation of many factors. An essential element in German politics from 1919-1933 was anxiety. It cannot be measured or clearly quantified; yet, it must be dealt with as a most important and pervasive factor. As the "Timetable" in Lesson 3 notes, runaway inflation, unemployment, violence in the streets, hunger, damaged national pride and fear of various types of conspiracies caused psychological, as well as, social tensions. These situations produced angst, which is a combination of fear and anxiety. German citizens were uncertain about the future, uneasy and worried. This factor ought to be woven into the "Timetable."

Homework Assignment:

• Assign Reading 3B, "Brief History of Anti-Semitism" and Reading 3C, "Politics"

Students begin this assignment in class.

Have students:

• Read the questions preceding "Brief History of Anti-Semitism."
• Read the essay.
• Write the answers to the questions posed at the beginning of the essay.

Have students:

• Read the questions preceding "Politics."
• Read the essay.
• Write the answers to the questions posed at the beginning of the essay.

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