Understand the consequences of World War II and the Holocaust; explain the conditions that led to the establishment of the state of Israel; identify examples of political, economic, and social oppression and violations of human rights.

Following the June 6, 1944 invasion of France by Allied forces, the collapse of Hitler’s regime was imminent. Several weeks later, Russian forces liberated the first concentration camp at Majdanek in Poland. The troops were stunned by what they found in the camp; more unimaginable horrors would be found as soldiers liberated camps over the next year. Over six million Jews had been murdered in the Holocaust. While some of the criminals would be sentenced at the Nuremberg Trials, this did not abate the suffering of survivors. Many perished from diseases sustained in the camps; others faced virulent anti-Semitism and the ruins of their families and communities. With many nations unable or unwilling to accommodate large numbers of immigrants, the creation of a Jewish state seemed like a possible solution. In May of 1948, Israel was born.

• CA  10.8: 5; 10.9: 6 Historical Interpretation: 4
• TX  113.33(9): a; 113.33(18): c; 113.38(1): b
• FL  SS.A.3.4: 9
• NCSS  II(HS): c; III(HS): i; V(HS): b

2 class periods

• Activity Sheet, Aftermath of the Holocaust
• Timeline, Life During the Holocaust 
• Graphic Organizer, 4-Column Table
• Research Report Rubric

Use the instructions below to guide students in writing a Research Report.

What was life like for survivors of the Holocaust?

Cause and Effect Students will write a report in which they explore the issues surrounding the aftermath of the Holocaust. Students will research the liberation of concentration camps, the experiences of survivors, the Nuremberg Trials, and the creation of the state of Israel.

Have students research these topics using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles.

Gold wedding rings confiscated from prisoners at Buchenwald.

To start students thinking about the effects of the Holocaust, have them examine the photograph.

Key questions students should answer are:

• Why do you think camp officials confiscated these wedding rings?
• How does this photograph convey the scale of Nazi crimes against humanity?

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Tell students that they will write a report investigating the aftermath of the Holocaust. To prepare, students will research the following topics.

• Allied Liberation of Camps
• Displaced Persons Camps
• Survivor Experiences after Liberation
• Immigration Problems
• Establishment of Israel
• Nuremberg Trials

Explain to students that their report should convey the challenges faced by survivors following the end of the war, and address the reasons why global powers decided to support the creation of a Jewish state. Students’ reports should also explain the historical and political significance of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg.

Use the Research Report Rubric to assess students’ performance.

Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: Why was the establishment of a Jewish state deemed necessary?

Newspaper Article Have students use Daily Life through History to conduct research and write a newspaper article circa 1948 detailing the creation of the state of Israel.

Critical Thinking: APPLY