Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

Activity Overview

This learning activity focuses on the understanding the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in terms of survival and resistance. Students think about what is needed to survive and resist and then analyze documents and oral histories to determine what was necessary for survival and resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto.

Grade Level

7-12

ELA Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies

RH1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

RH2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate, objective summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

RH7: Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

RH8: Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text. Identify and distinguish between a primary and secondary source on the same topic.

WHST6: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source by applying discipline-specific criteria used in the social sciences

WHST7: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Social Studies Framework

10.5 UNRESOLVED GLOBAL CONFLICT (1914–1945): World War I and World War II led to geopolitical changes, human and environmental devastation, and attempts to bring stability and peace.

10.5d Nationalism and ideology played a significant role in shaping the period between the world wars.

10.5e Human atrocities and mass murders occurred in this time period.

SEL Benchmarks

3A: Consider individual and collective social, emotional, and physical safety and well-being, as well as social context in making decisions.

Objectives

Students will describe the key events and significance of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising as an act of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust.

Students will analyze primary sources—including documents and oral histories—to identify the challenges faced by ghetto inhabitants and the strategies they used for survival and resistance.

Students will reflect on the physical, emotional, and moral dimensions of survival and resistance, considering what resources, choices, and values were necessary in the context of extreme oppression. They will describe various forms of resistance including spiritual, cultural, and armed resistances

Students will use evidence from primary sources to support conclusions about how individuals and groups resisted Nazi persecution and asserted their humanity under dire circumstances.