In this workshop, based on the USHMM’s online exhibit, teachers will examine the motives, pressures, and fears that shaped American attitudes and responses to the threats of Nazism and the Holocaust during the 1930s and 1940s. Teachers will learn about actions taken at all levels of society—by the government, the media, other organizations, and individual citizens—and how opportunities for action changed over time. This workshop promotes reflection and critical thinking about various factors that shaped attitudes and actions during that time and the factors that influence us today.
To register for the Americans and the Holocaust workshop, click here.
Before you come to this workshop:
- Consider taking the Canvas course to build your background knowledge and earn an additional .4 digital literacy renewal credits. More information coming soon!
- Make sure you have seen both The Path to Nazi Genocide and Guidelines for Teaching the Holocaust videos on our Before you attend page.
- If you would like hard copies of the handouts we will use in the workshop, print the materials below before you come.
Download and print these materials to bring to the workshop if you would like hard copies:
Agenda for Americans and the Holocaust
Below, you will see the agenda for this workshop, which also has all of the presentations and files embedded in it for your use. Please note that we may make adjustments to the schedule and topics, but we will let you know what those adjustments are when you are with us at the workshop.
| TOPIC COVERED | LINKS TO RESOURCES USED |
| Welcome, Introduction, and Logistics | Welcome to the Workshop Google Slides Presentation |
| Key Concepts from USHMM’s AATH | World Cafe Reference Guide USHMM Rationale Statements |
| Part I: AATH (1933-1937) Americans in the Holocaust Through Nazi Germany | Teaching Materials on Americans and the Holocaust |
| American Newsreels and Timeline Activity: Layer #1 (Historical Events) | |
| Break | N/A |
| Part II: AATH (1938-1941) It Is 1938 and Americans Who Dared | Americans and the Holocaust Online Exhibit |
| Refugee Ships at Sea | Americans and the Holocaust Online Exhibit |
| Lunch | N/A |
| Part III: AATH (1938-1941; 1942-1945) World War II and This Is the Enemy | Americans and the Holocaust Online Exhibit |
| Part IV: AATH (1942-1945) 1942 Through Public Opinion Poll: December 1945 | Americans and the Holocaust Online Exhibit |
| History Unfolded activity | History Unfolded: Student Packet |
| Transition and Break | N/A |
| Holocaust Survivor | NC Council Survivor Speaker Page |
| Wrap-Up and Evaluations | Click Here to go to the Evaluations page |
