Ask the class, What is an oath? What purpose does it mean to take an oath?

Direct students to the resource, ‘Pledging Allegiance’ by Facing History and Ourselves. Divide the class into groups of 3-5 and have them read through the resource as a group.

In their groups of 3-5, have students discuss the Connection Questions at the bottom of the resource page.

Ask students what they know about Adolf Hitler. What were his ideas?

Explain to the students that they will be reading an overview of some major events in Hitler’s life and his growing interest in antisemitism.

Direct students to the reading, Hitler’s antisemitism, Why did he hate the Jews? by Anne Frank House. Have students take notes according to the 3Ps method- noting what they find a) Powerful b) Puzzling and c) Propelling.

In order to familiarize yourself, and your class with this model, please look over this guide: 3Ps: A Critical Reading Guide.

As a class, go over what students wrote down for their 3Ps. Take some time to clear up any questions students may have from their puzzling section.

Divide the students into groups of three for a group discussion. Let students know that there is no right or wrong, the exercise is here to foster discussion.

1. Why do you think Hitler targeted the Jewish people?
2. What events in his life could have triggered the ideology that he would adopt in his political career?
3. Looking back at things now, it seems fairly clear what Hitler’s intentions were. What do you think people thought back then? Do you think they could have imagined what would transpire?

If time permits, come back together as a class and ask groups to share what they discussed.

Ask students what they know about Adolf Hitler. Has anyone heard of any of the books he has written?

Explain to students that the first two excerpts come from Hitler’s books, both published before he took office. The first, Mein Kampf, was written while he was in jail after a failed attempt to overthrow the government. His second book, Zweites Buch, was written on his thoughts on foreign policy but was not published in his lifetime. The last came from a speech he gave in the Reichstag after he became chancellor.

Direct students to the document, Nazi Ideology from Echoes & Reflections to read excerpts from three of Hitler’s writings. Prep students by informing them that much of what they will read of Hitler’s words are disturbing and hateful. We are reading them to learn how destructive and wrong these beliefs are. 

Have students pair up in groups of two to try to understand and rewrite each excerpt. Give students 10-12 minutes for these rewrites.

Ask the students to share their summaries with the class. Did everyone get the same general take-aways for each one? Open the class into a discussion asking the following questions:

1. Was it difficult to understand what Hitler was trying to say?
2. Were you surprised by the blatant hatred depicted in these writings? 
3. How did his wording change before and after he took the chancellorship?
4. How do you think people would react nowadays if they heard a politician speaking so harshly?

Record some of the students’ answers to be used in other discussions about propaganda and Nazi ideology.