The Holocaust

"An assignment I wrote on the devastating Holocaust and its effect on America". - Jeannette Villatoro

The Holocaust

The Holocaust marks the most devastating, gruesome and tragic times in history. Never has there been a more horrific display of cruelty and madness. Perhaps one of the most perplexing questions pertaining to the Holocaust was how it could have happened. I tend to believe that it was not so far fetched and that indeed this monumental display of evil is very possible as we have witnessed in the history of our own country.

Slavery can be compared to the horrors of the Holocaust. It exemplifies the same bigoted beliefs that one race is superior to another and that man has the determination and ability to annihilate human beings on the basis of these radical beliefs. Although different countries were represented in these travesties, the unique fiber of how they came to pass is similar. The juxtaposition of these two anomalies shows that human behavior can define the makings of horrid actions.

Hitler was a powerful monarch and a very influential leader. With his stern and brusque manner he conquered millions and organized an unimaginable war against others. For many, his expressions became truth, not unlike a religion that takes shape and gains many followers. The power of strong messages and representation can mean the destruction for civilians anywhere. And for the Jewish people, it had.

Unfortunately, the assistance and alliance of other nations was lacking despite the desperate need for a peaceful intrusion. The United States could have helped tremendously, but as the clock was ticking away and lives were being lost, the U.S. was holding back due to the concern for its own betterment as a nation. Immigration was a major focus of apprehension as it had become a problem recently in the United States. Many Americans feared that allowing Jews to migrate would cause loss in jobs for natives and crowding in the country (Davdison, Delay, Heyrman, Lytle, Stoff, 2008). Anti-Semitism was also a huge factor in this propaganda. Secretary of State Breckinridge Long showed obvious signs of bigotry while addressing the issues of the Holocaust (Davidson, Delay, Heyrman, Lytle, Stoff, 2008). Many Americans undoubtedly adopted the same fears and prejudices as the country itself was still healing and trying to make sense of the previous displays of hatred toward the African American race. Furthermore, these were strenuous circumstances and it was difficult for the U.S. to come up with a plan and to decide how to execute the delivery.

Americans did not put pressure on the Roosevelt administration due to fear and uncertainty. It seemed that this crisis was not a priority for the United States. The devastation of the Holocaust, however, bled deeply into the veins of American life soon after the end of such travails. The only way to overcome the revulsion of this traumatic event in our history is to study it thoroughly and keep it in the minds of new generations. Because we are still dealing with many of the issues that either led to or became a result of the Holocaust such as bigotry and immigration challenges, there is likely a chance for another occurrence of something of this magnitude to erupt.

References

Davidson, Delay, Heyrman, Lytle, Stoff (2008). Nation of nations: a narrative history of the American Republic (6th ed.). Boston: McGraw Hill.

The United Stated Holocaust Memorial Museum. (2008). http://www.ushmm.org/holocaust/