Bystanders.
The purpose of this page is to help you familiarize yourself with the definition of "bystander," and give you a few examples of the ways in which governments in the 1930s acted as bystanders toward the German Reich.
Just read the text, follow the instructions, and then answer the questions as you go through this page.
If you would like further information and examples, there is a link on the bottom of the page for an additional activity on "Bystanders" available through iWitness.
Just read the text, follow the instructions, and then answer the questions as you go through this page.
If you would like further information and examples, there is a link on the bottom of the page for an additional activity on "Bystanders" available through iWitness.
Definition
The Context
Take a few minutes to watch this video about the signs that led up to the Holocaust. Look specifically for any examples of bystanders––both of individuals and of governments.
Specific Examples
Below, there are two examples of nations acting as bystanders: the Evian Conference and the Voyage of the St. Louis. Choose one example to research, then answer the questions below.
The Evian Conference
Great! Now that you're finished with the prep work, it's time to look at some primary sources.
Get ready to read through some magazines and see what our community knew about current events in Germany.
Or, if you would like to spend a bit more time learning about bystanders, iWitness has an entire activity dedicated to it.
Get ready to read through some magazines and see what our community knew about current events in Germany.
Or, if you would like to spend a bit more time learning about bystanders, iWitness has an entire activity dedicated to it.