Kindertransport

Definition

The kindertransport was a rescue effort that took place before World War II, aimed at transporting Jewish children from Nazi-occupied territories to safety in Britain. This initiative, which started in December 1938, allowed approximately 10,000 Jewish children to escape imminent danger, highlighting both the desperation of the times and the efforts made by individuals and organizations to save lives in the face of widespread persecution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The kindertransport was organized by Jewish and British humanitarian groups in response to the increasing anti-Semitic violence in Germany and Austria.
2. The program primarily focused on unaccompanied minors, with children being placed in foster homes or hostels upon arrival in Britain.
3. Many of the children brought to Britain through kindertransport were eventually separated from their families, some of whom perished in the Holocaust.
4. The first transport left Germany on December 1, 1938, and continued until the outbreak of World War II in September 1939.
5. While kindertransport saved many lives, it also faced criticism for not being more expansive or inclusive of adult refugees.

Review Questions

• How did the kindertransport program reflect the broader context of Jewish persecution in Europe leading up to World War II?
  • The kindertransport program was a direct response to the intensifying persecution of Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe. It exemplified the desperation families felt as they sought ways to protect their children from the escalating violence and discrimination. The initiative highlighted both the willingness of some nations to offer refuge and the limitations imposed by broader immigration policies that often excluded adults and entire families from seeking safety.
• Discuss the impact of the kindertransport on both the children who were rescued and their families left behind.
  • The kindertransport had a profound impact on the lives of the rescued children, who found temporary safety and opportunities for education in Britain. However, many experienced trauma from separation and uncertainty about their families' fates. For those left behind, including parents who were unable to accompany their children, there was a deep sense of loss and helplessness as they faced increasing danger without any means of escape.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the kindertransport on post-war British society and its perception of refugees.
  • The kindertransport influenced post-war British society by shaping attitudes toward refugees and raising awareness about the plight of displaced persons. While it showcased Britain's capacity for humanitarian action, it also prompted discussions about immigration policies and responsibilities towards those fleeing persecution. The legacy of kindertransport contributed to ongoing debates about asylum seekers and refugees, reflecting both compassion and challenges within British society regarding acceptance and integration.

Related terms

Refugee: A person who flees their country due to persecution, war, or violence, seeking safety in another country.

Evian Conference: A 1938 meeting where nations discussed the growing refugee crisis but ultimately failed to take significant action to help Jewish refugees.

Holocaust: The systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its allies during World War II.