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Hitler Becomes Chancellor of Germany
Before hatred and suspicion toward Jews had existed in Europe for centuries, fueled by religious, economic, and racial prejudices.
Adolf Hitler became the leader of Germany. He and his group, called the Nazis, believed in very bad ideas. They wrongly said that Jewish people were the cause of Germany’s problems, like losing World War I and having money troubles. They taught people to hate Jews and said that only certain people, like “Aryans,” were the best and should be in charge. -
Nuremberg Laws Are Passed
The Nuremberg Laws take effect, making it illegal for Jewish people to marry or have relationships with non-Jews, and they are stripped of their citizenship. These laws say Jewish people can’t go to the same schools or marry non-Jewish people. -
Kristallnacht ("Night of Broken Glass")
Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues are attacked by Nazis across Germany and Austria, in what’s known as Kristallnacht. Many Jewish people are arrested and sent to camps. -
World War II Begins
Nazi Germany invades Poland, starting World War II. This leads to further persecution of Jewish people and other minority groups. Life becomes even harder for Jewish people. -
Jewish Ghettos Are Created
Nazis force Jewish families to live in overcrowded ghettos. These areas are separated from the rest of the population and conditions are very poor. -
The "Final Solution" Begins
Nazi leaders meet at the Wannsee Conference and discuss the systematic killing of Jews, known as the "Final Solution," which leads to the creation of extermination camps. The Nazis start sending millions of people to concentration camps. Many do not survive. -
Anne Frank and Her Family Go Into Hiding
Anne Frank and her family go into hiding in Amsterdam to escape Nazi persecution. She kept a famous diary during this time. -
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More Jewish People Are Deported
During this time, nearly 440,000 Hungarian Jews were taken to Auschwitz. Many other Jewish families from France, the Netherlands, and other countries are also sent to camps. -
Auschwitz Is Liberated
Soviet troops liberate the Auschwitz concentration camp, uncovering the extent of the horrors of the Holocaust. -
World War II Ends in Europe
Germany surrenders to the Allied forces, marking the end of the war in Europe. The Holocaust is over, but millions of lives have been lost. -
Holocaust Remembrance Day Established
The United Nations designates January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the victims and promote education about the Holocaust.