Told with scrupulous care for accuracy, this book examines the causes and events of the Holocaust, giving important background information on Jewish life in Europe, on the functions of the hierarchy within the Nazi government, and the psychological foundations of prejudice. Controversial topics cover specific issues, such as: was the Holocaust the result of centuries of anti-Semitism? Was Germany's support of the Nazi dictatorship widespread? Was the Holocaust premeditated? Was there signficant Jewish resistance? When did the world learn of the Holocaust? How should the actions of the Judenraete be evaluated? How did the Righteous Gentiles remain true to their ethical standards? Can there be forgiveness? Did ordinary men commit extraordinary evil? For anyone who wants a clearly-written, completely factual account of the Holocaust in Europe during the Second World War.