1. The Book Thief Historical Background

2. Reading The Book Thief In order to get the most out of reading The Book Thief, you really need to understand the historical background to the novel. In groups, pool your knowledge of Germany during World War II and the Jewish Holocaust. Holocaust means “Completely burnt” and is used to describe the mass murder of Jews (Genocide) during WWII.

3. A Brief History of the Holocaust 1933 The Nazi Party takes over Germany Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany (prime minister) The Nazis “suspend” civil freedoms The first concentration camp “Dachau” is set up – to imprison Communists. Books with ideas considered dangerous to Nazi beliefs are burnt.

4. A Brief History of the Holocaust 1934 Hitler combines the chancellor and President role to become “Fuhrer”, or the sole leader of Germany. Jewish Newspapers can no longer be sold in the street.

5. A Brief History of the Holocaust 1935 Jews are deprived of citizenship and other basic rights Nazis intensify persecution of people with different political beliefs

6. A Brief History of the Holocaust 1936 Nazis boycott Jewish owned businesses The Olympic Games are held in Germany, signs barring Jews are removed until after the event Jews no longer have the right to vote.

7. A Brief History of the Holocaust 1938 On Kristallnacht, “The Night of Broken Glass”, in one night over 30,000 Jews are arrested and deported to concentration camps, synagogues were ransacked and 92 Jews were murdered.

8. A Brief History of the Holocaust 1938 continued Jews must carry ID cards and passports must be marked with a “J”. Jews could no longer run business or attend public events. All Jewish children were removed to Jewish schools Jewish businesses were shut down, valuables and jewels had to be handed over.

9. A Brief History of the Holocaust 1939 Germany takes over Czechoslovakia and invades Poland. World War II begins as Britain and France declare war on Germany Hitler orders that Jews must follow curfews, they must turn in radios to the police and must wear yellow stars of David.

10. A Brief History of the Holocaust 1940 Nazis begin deporting Jews to Poland Jews are forced into Ghettos (confined areas) Mass Murders of Jews begin in Poland Jews are put into concentration camps