8 Stages of Genocide

Polarization (5)

Extremists drive groups apart, media and propaganda are used to manipulate each group involved in the conflict. Example: Hitler controlled Germany via propaganda, encouraging them to carry out their "mission" and promoting the German people over all others.

Extermination (7)

Mass killing called "genocide" begins. Example: The Jews were taken to the concentration camps where they were gassed immediately or worked until they succumbed to disease, starvation, or exposure. Sometimes, they died on the journey or were simply shot by Nazis.

Preparation (6)

Members of victim groups forced to wear identifying symbols, death lists are made, and victims are separated because of their religious or ethnic identity. Weapons are stockpiled, extermination sites are built. Example: Jews were forced to wear yellow stars, then they were taken from their homes and placed in ghettos, and finally placed in the concentration camps.

Symbolization (2)

Defines names of opposing groups and institutes use of symbols. Example: The symbol of the Nazi party was a swastika. Hitler eliminated all other political parties.

Dehumanization (3)

Denies the humanity of a specified group and makes the victim group seem less than human; helps people overcome the normal revulsion against murder Example: The Nazis created propaganda that made the Jews seem less than human.

Classification (1)

Distinguishes people by nationality, ethnicity, race, or religion. Divides society and creates a power struggle. Example: The Nazis singled out the Jewish people and turned a whole country against them.

Organization (4)

Government organizes, arms, and financially supports groups so that they may prepare for and conduct mass killings Example: The Nazis built an army and began invading Europe in order to kill all the Jews.

Denial (8)

Questioning and minimization of statistics, blocking of access to archives and witnesses, destruction of evidence, claims that deaths were inadvertent or the result of natural causes. Example: The Nazis tried to hide their involvement in the Holocaust by forcing the Jewish people out of the camps on death marches.