Lesson 1: From Prejudice to Genocide

What happened during the Holocaust, and how did it unfold over time?

Antisemitism
Nazi Party
Racial ideology
Nuremberg Laws
Kristallnacht
Ghettos
Concentration camps
Extermination camps
Genocide

D2.His.1.9-12
Evaluate how historical events and developments were shaped by unique circumstances of time and place.

D2.His.2.9-12
Analyze change and continuity in historical eras.

Students build content knowledge and chronological understanding needed to comprehend historical passages, interpret timelines, and answer evidence-based questions on standardized assessments.

This lesson provides a structured overview of the Holocaust, emphasizing sequence, key events, and outcomes. Students learn how antisemitism became policy, how violence escalated, and how genocide was carried out.
The purpose is to establish a shared factual foundation before deeper analysis in later lessons.
DOK Level: 1- 2

Connections to how laws and government actions can shape daily life, belonging, and exclusion.

The Holocaust began suddenly with killing
Antisemitism started with Hitler
Camps existed only for extermination
Violence was inevitable rather than escalated

Timeline visuals with clear sequencing
Vocabulary previews and reference sheets
Chunked note-taking with guided prompts
Optional review summaries for reinforcement

Timeline completion demonstrating sequence of events

Short factual response explaining how exclusion escalated

Exit ticket identifying one policy, one violent event, and one outcome

Class notes or PPTX

Holocaust timeline visuals

Maps of Nazi-controlled Europe

Short factual excerpts describing ghettos and camps