War and Genocide: A Concise History of the Holocaust

Why does Bergen choose to examine details about Hitler’s personal life? What is the purpose of sharing details such as his love of animals and his uncreative artistic output? How does this inform her broader approach to Holocaust studies?

Describe the role of photographs in this book. What purpose do they serve? Are they effective?

According to Bergen, how did World War I prime the German public to accept Nazism? Consider the social, political, and economic trends of the day when formulating your answer.

Analyze how the Nazis used science and religion to their political advantage. Cite examples from the text or outside sources to support your answer.

What is the significance of gender roles in Nazi ideology?

Throughout this book Bergen goes into grizzly detail when describing the everyday violence civilians (especially Jewish civilians) experienced under Nazi rule. What purpose(s) does this serve?

Consider some of the non-German political players involved in World War II: Josef Stalin, Winston Churchill, Benito Mussolini, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Neville Chamberlain, etc. How does Bergen characterize them? Why is this significant? Pick two to compare and contrast.

What is the significance of blood as a motif in Nazi rhetoric?