Resistance during National Socialism
Objective: Learners develop an understanding of the conditions and motivations of resistance groups and resistance fighters against National Socialism.
Content and methodology: Using a selected example, learners can explain everyday life under the Nazi dictatorship between consent, oppression and resistance, and assess the effects on the stability of Nazi rule.
Competencies:
- Recognise the possibilities and limitations of individual and collective action in historical situations and discuss alternative courses of action.
- Analyse historical facts in their context (multicausality).
- Reconstruct historical facts (reconstruction).
Target group and level: 9th/10th grade
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Target group and level
9th/10th grade
Subjects
Resistance during National Socialism
Info
The resistance against National Socialism encompasses all those individuals and groups who opposed Hitler's dictatorship between 1933 and 1945. These included courageous individuals, churches, students and even parts of the military. Their stories show us how important moral courage is and how every individual can make a difference.
đź‘Ł The beginning
The following text is an introduction to the life of the person(s) featured in the resistance. Read it carefully and then answer the questions.
Hans Scholl: The Early Years
Source: Wikipedia
Hans Scholl was born on September 22, 1918, in Ingersheim, Germany. He was one of five children in the Scholl family, which included his younger sister, Sophie. Their father, Robert Scholl, was a liberal mayor, instilling in them a strong sense of justice and social awareness from an early age.
Growing up, Hans was initially caught up in the wave of Nazi enthusiasm that swept across Germany. In 1933, he joined the Hitler Youth, an organization that appealed to many young Germans with promises of adventure and community. Hans quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a squad leader, which was a prestigious position for someone of his age.
Despite his involvement, Hans began to feel disillusioned with the Nazi ideology. He realized that the organization's principles were at odds with his family's values and his own growing sense of morality. This inner conflict led him to explore other youth groups and ideologies, seeking a path that resonated with his own beliefs.
Hans Scholl's early experiences and upbringing played a significant role in shaping his character and future actions. His journey from enthusiastic Hitler Youth member to questioning and critical thinker laid the groundwork for his later involvement in resistance activities.
đź“‹ Select the correct answer from the options provided.
🗣️ The Resistance
The following conversation is intended to give you an insight into the structure of the Resistance. Please note that this is a fictional conversation, but it is based on historical facts.
Voices of resistance...
Hello Hans Scholl, thank you for taking the time to talk with me about your resistance efforts. Can you share what motivated you and your group to stand against National Socialism?
Hi, happy to share our story. Our main motivation was the deep sense of injustice and cruelty we saw around us. The regime was oppressing people, silencing voices, and spreading fear. We couldn't just sit and watch. We felt a strong moral duty to speak out and encourage others to think critically.
That sounds incredibly courageous. Were there specific circumstances that pushed you to act?
Yes, definitely. As university students, we had access to information and ideas that helped us see the bigger picture. The more we learned, the more we realized how dangerous the regime was. Seeing friends and family suffer under the regime's policies made us realize we had to do something.
I can imagine there were fears involved in taking such a stand. What were some of the fears you had to overcome?
Fear was certainly a constant companion. We feared arrest, torture, and even execution. The Gestapo was always on the lookout for dissenters. But our belief in freedom and justice was stronger than our fear. We knew the risks, but we also understood the importance of our mission.
Were there any successes that gave you hope during your resistance efforts?
Our biggest success was spreading awareness. Through our pamphlets, we reached many people, encouraging them to question the regime's practices. Even though it was dangerous, seeing others resonate with our message was uplifting. It showed us we weren't alone in our thoughts.
What sacrifices did you and your group have to make for this cause?
We sacrificed our safety, and ultimately, our lives. Many of us were arrested and executed, including my sister Sophie. But we understood these sacrifices were necessary to fight for a better future. Our actions were a testament to our commitment to justice.
Thank you, Hans, for sharing your powerful story. Your courage and sacrifice continue to inspire many.
đź“‹ Write a short text on the given questions.
đź’ˇ Bonus
Finally, watch the video to learn more about the circumstances surrounding National Socialism.