U.S. and the Holocaust

During the Holocaust, the United States initially maintained a limited response, focusing on the broader goals of World War II rather than directly intervening to stop the genocide of Jews in Europe. Jewish presence in the United States stems from the colonial period and increased through the nineteenth and twentieth century with mass migration from Eastern Europe. Although news of Nazi atrocities reached the U.S. by the early 1940s, widespread disbelief and antisemitism, along with restrictive immigration policies, prevented many Jewish refugees from finding safety in America. The tragic case of the MS St. Louis is a notable example.  It wasn’t until later in the war, particularly with the establishment of the War Refugee Board in 1944, that the U.S. took more active steps to aid victims. The only refugee camp in the United States opened in Oswego, New York.  By then, millions had already been murdered by the Nazis.  This section includes readings with questions, activities, and case studies.

Please reference the “Social Emotional Considerations to Support Students” page prior to using these resources.