From Prejudice to Oppression
Students will go through resources on antisemitism in the early modern era as well as a resource on the Nazi book burning of 1933.
Watch videos by Simple History explaining the signing of the Treaty of Versailles and the reparations on Germany that followed.
The admittance of the “War Guilt Clause” forced Germany to accept complete responsibility for initiating World War I, meaning they would be liable for all material damages.
Explain to students that they are going to be watching a video that will help explain the Treaty of Versailles, which brought an end to World War I and set the terms for the interwar period. Since Germany started WWI, do they suppose the Treaty was kind to them or unkind?
Watch YouTube videos, The Treaty of Versailles, What Did the Big Three Want? 1/2 and The Treaty of Versailles, Terms of the Treaty 2/2 from Simple History.
While the students are watching, have them take note of some things that stood out to them. Were they aware that Germany did not have a seat at the negotiation table?
Divide the class into groups of four. Have them discuss their first reactions to the contents of the video amongst themselves. Give 5 minutes for them to address their first impressions and questions that they have about the video. Ask them thereafter to share these thoughts with the large group and ask their questions to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Then review the discussion questions as a class.
Ask each group to return to discussion and address these questions. Give 10 minutes for discussion and then ask each group to respond to one question in an effort to kick off broader conversations about each.
This lessons meets the following Academic Standards required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
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