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What Was the Holocaust? — Reading Comprehension

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This comprehensive world history passage explores the Holocaust, a catastrophic event during World War II in which Nazi Germany committed genocide against Jews and other groups. The passage examines the causes, key events, and impact of the Holocaust, referencing specific primary sources such as Anne Frank's diary and survivor testimonies. Students will learn about the system of concentration camps, the role of propaganda, and the geographic spread of Nazi policies across Europe. Activities include a reading comprehension quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, a glossary, and both English and Spanish text versions. This resource aligns with California History-Social Science Standards (CA HSS 7.11, 7.12) and Common Core reading and writing standards. Perfect for developing historical thinking skills, understanding human rights, and connecting past events to broader world history themes. Includes read aloud audio and a Spanish translation for accessibility.

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Detail of the prisoners numbers at the Holocaust Memorial, Boston, Massachusetts" by Highsmith, Carol M., 1946- / Library of Congress.

The Holocaust was a period during World War II when Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, carried out the systematic murder of six million Jews and millions of others. From 1933 to 1945, the Nazis implemented policies of persecution and genocide across Europe. The Holocaust is considered one of the most devastating examples of genocide in human history, reshaping how the world thinks about human rights and justice.

After Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, the Nazis quickly targeted Jews, blaming them for Germany’s problems. Using propaganda and discriminatory laws, the Nazis forced Jews out of public life and stripped them of their rights as citizens. The Nuremberg Laws of 1935 made it illegal for Jews to marry or have relationships with non-Jews. These policies were justified by racist Nazi ideology that claimed some groups were superior to others, a belief that led to the persecution of other groups such as Roma people, people with disabilities, and political opponents.

The Nazis built a system of concentration camps and ghettos throughout Europe. In 1942, the Wannsee Conference set the plan known as the “Final Solution,” which called for the mass murder of Jews in extermination camps like Auschwitz, Treblinka, and Sobibor. Primary sources, such as Anne Frank’s diary written while she was hiding in Amsterdam, and survivor testimonies from places like Auschwitz, provide firsthand accounts of daily life and suffering under Nazi rule. In the camps, people faced forced labor, starvation, and executions. By the end of the war, two out of every three European Jews had been killed.

The Holocaust had severe effects on both individuals and societies. Survivors faced lasting trauma, and entire communities were destroyed. After World War II, the world responded by establishing international laws against crimes against humanity at the Nuremberg Trials. The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, influenced by the horrors of the Holocaust. The memory of the Holocaust continues to teach the dangers of racism, intolerance, and the abuse of power. Memorials and museums around the world preserve the evidence and stories to educate future generations.

Understanding the Holocaust helps us recognize the importance of standing against injustice and protecting human dignity. Studying this tragedy connects to broader world history themes, like the rise of totalitarian governments and the fight for human rights worldwide.

Interesting Fact: The word “Holocaust” comes from the Greek word ‘holokaustos,’ meaning “completely burned,” originally used to describe a type of sacrifice.

Who led Nazi Germany during the Holocaust?

Adolf HitlerAnne FrankWinston ChurchillFranklin Roosevelt

What year did the Nuremberg Laws pass?

1935194219331948

Which camp is mentioned as an example?

AuschwitzPearl HarborVersaillesNormandy

Why were ghettos created?

To separate JewsTo train soldiersFor scientific studyFor farming

What was the 'Final Solution'?

Nazi plan to kill JewsA peace agreementA new countryA secret army

What happened after the Holocaust?

International laws were createdWorld War I beganNazis ruled EuropeNew ghettos were built