Polish Jewish Concentration Camps

I found it interesting how the people surrounding the concentration camps for Jews in Poland were willing to turn a cold shoulder towards the Jews. Many people interviewed were saying that they couldn't do anything about the concentration camps, but they were still willing to exploit the Jews as much as they can. They sold food to those in the concentration camps at astronomically higher prices than they bought it for. Although they claimed to feel discomfort over what was happening, they convinced themselves that there was nothing they could do. However, if they truly cared about helping those in the concentration camps, they would have helped the Jews and provided food without the intent of making money.

I also found it interesting how Nazi officials had the Jews in the concentration camps make goods, so they could earn money for themselves, which they would use as gifts to gain favor with high-ranking German officials. All they cared about was themselves, their position, and their wealth.

Both these examples illustrate how selfish people can be. Many times people only think about themselves, and not the needs of others.


I also found it interesting how other European leaders dealt with Hitler. France and England stood by and watched as Nazis started to take control over land, and drastically increased military spending and power, all in violation of post-WWI treaties. They only tried to stop Hitler after he had taken land without any Germans actually living there. Previously, they had hoped that if they allowed Hitler to do certain things, it would satisfy him. However, the lesson to be learned is that we shouldn't underestimate people and their ambition. As soon as Hitler took neighboring lands without any objections, he kept expanding and didn't stop.

This makes me think about Russia and its desire to occupy parts of Ukraine that has Russians. We should learn from Hitler that the international community has to stop countries from seizing land that is parts of other countries, as it can quickly grow out of control and lead to a World War.