Released: September 15, 2022
Explore the lives of real people, who make unexpected choices — that have major impacts. In this season of 12 Years That Shook the World, we bring you more stories from Holocaust history that may surprise you.
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Transcript
Erin Harper: Explore the lives of real people, who make unexpected choices — that have major impacts. I’m Erin Harper. In this season of 12 Years That Shook the World, we bring you more stories from Holocaust history that may surprise you.
First, with a story of all-out defiance. When members of the gay and lesbian community in Amsterdam decide to take on the Nazi regime— they form a resistance group, and risk their lives to protect thousands of Jews and other victims from Nazi persecution.
Dr. Jake Newsome: Frieda and all of the members of the resistance were well-aware that they would be severely punished if they were caught.
Erin Harper: Next, in a small German town, after locals witness their Jewish neighbors being marched away by the Nazis, the locals don’t resist — in fact, they decide to buy their Jewish neighbors personal belongings that have been put up for auction. Kassandra LaPrade Seuthe: Those who later bought the belongings of Jewish neighbors at auction, may have justified their actions as perfectly legal, even if morally objectionable.
Erin Harper: Then, we step back, before the Nazis have come to power. With a young Nazi true-believer, you’ve never heard of, who chooses to lead a riot through the streets of Berlin, to try and overthrow Germany’s democracy. Dr. Lindsay MacNeill: He represents what happens when a fascist movement goes from outside the system, to trying to destroy the system, to then being the system.
Erin Harper: Find out what happens next, in this new season of 12 Years That Shook the World, from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Five brand new episodes, available now. Follow us on your favorite podcast app.