Resist 1933–1945

The educational material from “RESIST 1933–1945. For human rights in Europe” uses examples of resistance in Germany beginning in 1933 and the Résistance in France from the start of the German occupation in May 1940.

Biographies illustrate the various prerequisites for and developments of resistance in the two countries. Videos and accompanying texts provide an introduction to the topic. The project also includes recommendations on how to use the educational material. The material is aimed at young people from the age of 14 up.

Studying the resistance against National Socialism can motivate young people to consider their own orientations and scope for action, and to take on responsibility for the present and the future.

Learning settings and targets

The material can be used in a range of ways. It is suitable for school use, and in transnational and national teaching and learning contexts outside of schools. Alongside history lessons, it is also compatible with social science subjects, youth exchange projects in school and non-school settings, and other intercultural, historical-political, and human rights-oriented educational programs.

The material can be used to foster a range of skills, including for example general knowledge, critical thinking, analysis and decision-making skills, intercultural competence, and narrative and social skills.

Working with the material, participants learn more about:

• the social breadth and diversity of forms and goals within the resistance against National Socialism in Germany (1933–1945) and against the occupation and the Vichy regime in France (1940–1944)
• the scope for individual action in the resistance in Germany and France
• the forms of public approaches to the resistance in postwar Germany and France.

The material pursues overarching learning targets, which teachers can adapt to their individual teaching and learning contexts.

Methodical approaches

The educational resources are based on several approaches to historical-political education, many of which are interlinked:

a) Biographical approach

In recent years, a biographical approach has proved particularly suitable for working on resistance against National Socialism in historical-political education. Studying individuals’ biographies helps to understand developments in their lives and various paths to resistance. Individuals become specific and can be seen in their own times. This is an important prerequisite for projects in the commemoration cultures.

b) Multi-method approach

The educational material’s multi-method approach enables participants to address the topic on various levels and takes differing learning settings into account. A range of skills among the participants can thus be applied and fostered. The material also enables intercultural learning processes in transnational teaching and learning contexts.

c) Human rights orientation

The project provides an opportunity to link studying the resistance against National Socialism with human rights education approaches. The aim is to foster democratic and human rights-oriented outlooks and encourage active steps toward a peaceful shared future. With reference to National Socialism, Fritz Bauer referred to resistance as a “struggle for human rights.” Human rights orientation in the resistance against National Socialism provides a suitable starting point to address present-day human rights issues.