The Trial of Adolf Eichmann: Classroom Activities

Synopsis

  Adolf Eichmann was the principal logistical military officer of the Nazis’ mass murder of 6,000,000 Jews during World War II. After the war, he escaped a prisoner of war camp in Germany, and eventually made his way to Argentina. In 1960, agents of the Israel government captured him and transported him to Israel where he was put on trial for his Nazi war crimes. This trial, the first ever televised, was for many people their first education about the Holocaust. Eichmann freely admitted to most of the accusations concerning his participation in a coordinated conspiracy which sent millions of Jews to their deaths, but claimed that he was powerless to resist orders from his military superiors. A 16-week trial featured the testimony of scores of survivors whose lives were shattered. Eichmann was found guilty on all 15 counts of the criminal indictment against him. He was hanged, his body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in the Mediterranean Sea.

Instructional Objectives

Students will learn about–

1. The facts of Adolf Eichmann’s life and the historical events which occurred during that time.

2. The relationship of World War II to the Holocaust.

3. Issues relating to criminal trials.

4. Issues relating to relations between nations and the concepts of nationalism and sovereignty.

5. The responsibility of individuals for their actions.

6. Genocide which is occurring today, and the responsibility of individuals, nations, and international organizations to combat it.