Write a paper that analyzes the chapters and finds a deeper meaning in the reading. Try not to summarize the chapters and instead find basis for your arguments in your paragraphs.
The book is “the holocaust roots history and aftermath” and the reading is chapters 3 and 4. i have the login for the book on bookshelf.vitalsource if you need it
Analysis of Chapters 3 and 4
The Holocaust: Roots, History, and Aftermath is a book that gives a broad overview of the history of the Jewish people in Germany. In Chapters 3 and 4, David Crowe, the author of the book, explains in depth the how the Jews and other alien groups of people survived during the Nazi government. He explains the origin of the persecution of the Jews and the effort of Hitler to exclude them from the German people. The book has 10 chapters and each of them explains specific themes of the narrative. A thorough analysis of the two chapters will facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the existence of the Jews, the Gypsies, other alien people in country where racism, war, and greed for power were the philosophies of the politicians.
Reflecting on Chapter 3, Crowe raises three main issues which include anti-Semitism, war, and politics. Anti-Semitism was a dominant problem for the Jewish race. Most of the politicians of that time supported this offensive practice which led to the singling out of the Jews. Being among the powerful politicians, Hitler and te members of the Nazi party had obsessive hatred towards the this group of people. Although he had Jewish origin, he never associated with them. In fact, he blamed the Jews for the bad things which happened to Germany (Crowe 89). He assumed that identifying as a Jew would hinder him from succeeding in his political career. His hatred was strongly planted in Vienna where he lived in a multiethnic community from 1909 to 1913. In 1922, he ordered the eviction of all Jews who had migrated into Germany from 1914. Besides, he demanded the execution of traitors and all those who were a threat to the common interest of the German people. All this pointed to the Jews who he referred to as the enemy.
Besides, the the theme of war is depicted through out the chapter. The declaration of World War 1 lead to peace instability in the country. Nations started attacking each other and the instability which was in Germany also contributed to increase in the local attacks. People who were concerned with the common interest of protecting the German people were in the front line in these battles. For instance, Hitler joined the military so that he could protect his country. He exhibited bravery in all the military operations making him acquire many rewards and promotions in the military ranks. The war gave rise to new decisions by the German parliament. For instance, the political reforms which were purposed at making Germany a constitutional monarchy, imposition of martial law with the aim of making Bavaria a communist state, and creation of the Weimar Republic which was a democratic state in Germany (Crowe 101). However, German was defeated but this was a leson to some future leaders such as Hitler.
Additionally, the issue of political crisis is outlined. Domesticconflicts between communities, lack of cooperation among politicians, and corrupt actions lead to the national crisis. The anti-Semitism which had been widely spread brought division among the people in the country. This divided the local governments and the military, thus contributing to the defeat of Germany in the war. The presidential elections in 1932 also added to the political rift between leaders in the nation (Crowe 102). The wave in the political environment led to economic and social problems. Middle-class people had begun to question the leadership skills of some leaders like Hitler. The farmers had also lost hope in their leaders and this made them decline from participating in the elections. Corruption and lack of cooperation among the politicians led to the growth of the political crisis which resulted in peace instability.
A reflection of the fourth chapter draws a picture of racial discrimination, greed for power and dictatorial leadership, and biological racism. Crowe supports his idea of racial discrimination by explaining how the Nazis treated the Jewish race. The consequential actions of the continued anti-Semitism led to the more harassment of the Jews. They were banned from running their businesses since Hitler new that they were good in trade (Crowe 111). Rules were made to oppress the Protestant believers so that they could change their political stance and support Hitler’s government. Furthermore, the German school curriculum was altered so that anti-Semitism themes could be incorporated. Enrollment of Jewish Children into the German schools was canceled. The Jewish Children who were already in these institutions suffered discrimination from their counterparts. All this depicted racism from the Nazis who were now in government. The suffering forced many of the Jews to flee to other countries.
Correspondingly, the component of power-greed and dictatorial leadershipis seen in this chapter. The politicians yearned to be the rulers of the country so that they could accomplish their personal goals. For instance, after the death of president Heidenburg, Hitler immediately assumed the office of the president and still maintained the office of the Chancellor (Crowe 117). He formulated his own oath which the military officers had to take. The oath was to offer all the loyalty to Hitler as the president and the chancellor.This showed his gluttony to gain power and be the ruler of the country. During his celebration after being approved to take over the presidency, a statement was released which insinuated that there will be no other president for the next one thousand years. This was a prelude of the dictatorial era of Hitler as the president of Germany.
Moreover, Crowe’s narrative brings into light the issue of discrimination due to biological characteristics of certain people. This is shown by the isolation of the Gypsies since they had alien blood. The government implemented a law that was meant to protect the German people by determining the biological factors of couples who wanted to marry (Crowe 120). No intermarriages were allowed between German people and other tribes. The Gypsies were referred to as contaminants of the Aryan blood since they were aliens. As a result, they were deprived of their voting rights and serving in the military. Homosexuals, particularly men, were also termed as a threat to the German interest since they could not bear children. Hitler wanted a continuation of the pure German race with no racial mix. Isolation of Jews, Gypsies, and homosexuals depicted biological racism.
To conclude, the two chapters of Crowe’s book help a learner to understand the holocaust of the Jews in Germany. The narrative enables the reader to clearly understand the themes of the book. The anti-Semitism, politics and the governance of Hitler depicts a leader who was self-centered. His dictatorial leadership was evident from his past actions. The isolation and suffering of the Jews, Gypsies, and homosexuals were results of obsessive hatred, racial discrimination, and biological racism. This raises questions on the politics and the leaders in the world today. Are some of the present events a carry forward of past government’s practices? This proofs the need for more holocaust books.
Works Cited
Crowe, David M. The Holocaust: Roots, History, and Aftermath. West view P, 2008.
