This powerful opening lesson introduces students to the Holocaust with clarity and historical depth. Learners begin by defining what the Holocaust was and why it remains one of the most significant events in modern history. They then explore the long‑term roots of European antisemitism, examining how prejudice developed over centuries and shaped attitudes long before the rise of Nazism.

Building on this foundation, students investigate how economic crisis and political instability undermined the Weimar Republic, paving the way for extremist ideas to take hold. The lesson concludes with an analysis of the early racial ideologies of the Nazi Party, helping students understand how discriminatory beliefs evolved into state‑driven policy.

This lesson sets the tone for the unit by combining historical accuracy with opportunities for critical thinking, empathy and reflection.

Success Criteria
Students will be able to:

• Define the Holocaust and explain its historical significance.
• Trace long‑term roots of antisemitism using key historical examples.
• Explain how instability weakened German democracy and contributed to the rise of Nazism.
• Analyse early Nazi racial ideologies and describe how they shaped early policy.

Includes
A lesson starter, PowerPoint, and worksheet.

Some visuals in this resource were made with AI to help bring ideas to life and support student understanding.