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The Holocaust : The Root Causes Of The Holocaust

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The Holocaust is widely considered to be one of the darkest times in history- an abominable genocide with casualties measured in millions. With infamy comes inquiry, leading many to question and examine the exact motives behind the Nazi regime that killed masses. There are various factors to be considered when pinpointing the root causes of the Holocaust, among these being the historical and cultural hatred of Jews, the growing German unrest following WWI, and the Nazi Party’s ability to effectively utilize propaganda as to spread their doctrine. Despite this, anti-semitic ideas and propaganda spread before and during WWII were decidedly some of the most influential causes of the Holocaust.
Although the Holocaust is generally associated with its horrendous consequences and mounting death tolls, it actually “began with words and ideas: stereotypes, sinister cartoons, and the gradual spread of hate” ("Antisemitism in History"). These ideas existed long before the rise of Hitler, and throughout time and history, the Jewish people have served as a scapegoat for many of the world’s problems. Anti-semitic ideas can be traced all the way back to before the time of Christ, as Jews were reportedly persecuted in Egypt and other countries of the ancient world. Anti-semitic rhetoric was further circulated in the Classical Period during which Catholic leaders alleged that “Jews were responsible for the crucifixion of Christ” ("The Jews as Scapegoats"). Jews were thought to be satanic and followers of the Antichrist. This concept was continually developed throughout the centuries to follow, and “theological anti-semitism reached its height in the Middle Ages” ("Antisemitism in History"), when Jews were accused of various atrocities such as committing blood libel and causing the Black Plague.
Following the end of WWI, anti-semitism took a new turn as the modern ages of warfare, propaganda, and politics began. World War One's Treaty of Versailles entailed strict regulations on Germany, launching them into economic, social, and political turmoil. Angered, humiliated, and frustrated, the German people were desperate for a scapegoat. Combining these emotions with their pre-existing prejudices and beliefs in myths against the

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