Interpreting News of World Events 1933–1938

By examining news coverage around three key events related to the early warning signs of the Holocaust, students will learn that information about the Nazi persecution of European Jews was available to the public. They will also consider the question of what other issues or events were competing for Americans’ attention and concern at the same time. Despite the many issues that were on their minds during the period 1933–1938, some Americans took actions to help persecuted Jews abroad, with varying degrees of effectiveness.

Lesson Plan and Teaching Materials

• Teacher Guide (PDF)

• Historical Newspapers (PDF)

• Worksheet (PDF)

• Worksheet Answer Keys (PDF)

• Introductory Slides (Powerpoint)

• Closing Slides (Powerpoint)