Oskar Schindler

Definition

Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist and member of the Nazi Party who is best known for saving the lives of over a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. His actions highlighted the capacity for individual moral choice in the face of systemic evil, and he became a symbol of resistance against the horrors of concentration and death camps.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oskar Schindler initially sought profit from Jewish labor but later became committed to saving as many lives as possible as he witnessed the atrocities committed against them.
2. He used his connections with Nazi officials to protect his Jewish workers from deportation to death camps.
3. In 1944, Schindler created a list of about 1,200 Jews he deemed essential to his factory operations, which ultimately saved them from extermination.
4. After the war, Schindler faced financial difficulties and lived in poverty, as he had spent much of his wealth on bribes and the welfare of his rescued workers.
5. Schindler's story gained widespread recognition through Thomas Keneally's novel 'Schindler's Ark,' which was adapted into the acclaimed film 'Schindler's List' directed by Steven Spielberg.

Review Questions

• How did Oskar Schindler's motivations change throughout his experience during the Holocaust?
  • Initially, Oskar Schindler was motivated by profit, using Jewish labor to enhance his industrial operations. However, as he witnessed the brutal treatment of Jews and the horrors of the Holocaust, his motivations shifted significantly. He began prioritizing the safety and lives of his workers over financial gain, ultimately risking his own safety and wealth to save over a thousand Jews from death camps.
• In what ways did Oskar Schindler utilize his position within the Nazi regime to aid Jewish individuals during the Holocaust?
  • Oskar Schindler leveraged his status as a member of the Nazi Party and his connections with key officials to protect his Jewish workers from deportation. He frequently negotiated with Nazi leaders, emphasizing the economic value of his factory workers to prevent their transfer to concentration camps. His ability to navigate the bureaucratic landscape allowed him to create a network of protection that ultimately saved many lives.
• Evaluate the significance of Oskar Schindler's actions in the broader context of resistance movements during the Holocaust.
  • Oskar Schindler's actions are significant as they exemplify individual resistance against a dehumanizing system. His efforts stand out in a time when many were complicit or passive in the face of brutality. By actively saving lives, he not only defied Nazi policies but also inspired others to consider moral choices amidst overwhelming evil. Schindler’s legacy illustrates how acts of courage can challenge oppressive regimes and highlights the importance of individual agency within larger resistance movements during one of history's darkest periods.

Related terms

Holocaust:

The genocide of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazi regime during World War II, marked by the establishment of concentration and death camps.

Schindlerjuden: The Jewish individuals who were saved by Oskar Schindler through his efforts to employ them in his factories, often referred to as 'Schindler's Jews.'

Righteous Among the Nations:

A title awarded by Yad Vashem to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust, recognizing their bravery and moral courage.