Activity Overview
Anti-semitism did not begin (or end) with Nazi Germany. In this activity, students will create a timeline that highlights the development of anti-semitism in Europe. This activity addresses the question that many students ask when they study the Holocaust: “Why did the Nazis single out the Jews?” The timeline should start with destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. Students should view the 13 minute documentary that the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum hosts on the history of anti-semitism in Europe.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Suggested Events for History of Anti-Semitism Timeline
- 70 - The Romans Destroy the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem
- 1000 - State and Church Laws Restrict Jews
- 1095 - The Crusades
- 1350 - The Black Plague
- 1517 - The Protestant Reformation
- 1894 - The Dreyfus Affair
- 1903 - The Protocols of the Elders of Zion
- 1920 - Pseudo-Scientific Racial Theories
Extended Activity
For an extended activity, students could create a similar timeline storyboard for other groups that have faced long-term persecution. Native Americans or Africans would provide a good focus for this kind of activity. This will allow them to see trends in history and connect different events.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing the history of Anti-Semitism in Europe leading up to the Holocaust.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as needed.
- Identify important events and policies and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the events in policies in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
Anti-semitism did not begin (or end) with Nazi Germany. In this activity, students will create a timeline that highlights the development of anti-semitism in Europe. This activity addresses the question that many students ask when they study the Holocaust: “Why did the Nazis single out the Jews?” The timeline should start with destruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. Students should view the 13 minute documentary that the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum hosts on the history of anti-semitism in Europe.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Suggested Events for History of Anti-Semitism Timeline
- 70 - The Romans Destroy the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem
- 1000 - State and Church Laws Restrict Jews
- 1095 - The Crusades
- 1350 - The Black Plague
- 1517 - The Protestant Reformation
- 1894 - The Dreyfus Affair
- 1903 - The Protocols of the Elders of Zion
- 1920 - Pseudo-Scientific Racial Theories
Extended Activity
For an extended activity, students could create a similar timeline storyboard for other groups that have faced long-term persecution. Native Americans or Africans would provide a good focus for this kind of activity. This will allow them to see trends in history and connect different events.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing the history of Anti-Semitism in Europe leading up to the Holocaust.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as needed.
- Identify important events and policies and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the events in policies in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about History of Anti-Semitism in Europe
Encourage respectful classroom discussions about anti-Semitism
Foster a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable exploring sensitive topics like anti-Semitism. Set clear ground rules for respectful dialogue, model empathy, and use guiding questions to help students reflect on historical events and their modern relevance.
Select age-appropriate resources for teaching about anti-Semitism
Choose credible documentaries, books, and primary sources that match your students’ reading levels and maturity. Preview materials ahead of time to ensure they are suitable and align with your lesson goals.
Prepare students for emotionally challenging content
Let students know they will encounter difficult and emotional history. Offer trigger warnings when needed, and provide time for students to ask questions or step out if they feel overwhelmed.
Use reflection activities to deepen understanding
Encourage students to write journal entries, create artwork, or participate in small group discussions about what they’ve learned. Reflection helps students process complex topics and connect them to current events or personal experiences.
Connect the history of anti-Semitism to broader themes
Guide students to see how patterns of prejudice and discrimination affect different groups throughout history. Relate timelines and case studies of anti-Semitism to other instances of injustice to build critical thinking and empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions about History of Anti-Semitism in Europe
What is a timeline activity for teaching the history of anti-Semitism in Europe?
A timeline activity involves students arranging key events chronologically to trace the development of anti-Semitism in Europe. This helps learners understand how attitudes and policies evolved over centuries, leading up to the Holocaust.
How can students create a timeline about anti-Semitism in Europe?
Students can create a timeline by identifying major historical events related to anti-Semitism, placing them in order, and adding brief descriptions and visuals. They can use digital tools, posters, or templates provided by the teacher.
What key events should be included in a European anti-Semitism timeline?
Important events include the destruction of the Jewish temple in 70 CE, medieval laws restricting Jews, the Crusades, the Black Plague, the Protestant Reformation, the Dreyfus Affair, and the rise of pseudo-scientific racial theories in the 20th century.
Why did the Nazis single out Jewish people during the Holocaust?
The Nazis targeted Jewish people due to longstanding anti-Semitic beliefs and propaganda in Europe, which falsely blamed Jews for social, economic, and political problems. These attitudes were rooted in centuries of discrimination and legal restrictions.
What are some alternative ways to present a timeline on anti-Semitism for classroom activities?
Besides a traditional timeline, students can create a timeline poster for presentations or gallery walks, use digital storyboards, or compare timelines of other persecuted groups to encourage deeper understanding and engagement.
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