This program presents an historical overview of the causes of the Holocaust with an attempt to arrive at the lessons for today from examining those causes. In particular, the presentation delves into the roots of European anti-Semitism and its persistence up to the present, and its ultimate symbiotic relationship with nationalism and Social Darwinism. These threads, Pitz argues, eventually transformed anti-Semitism from discrimination and into genocide during the Holocaust. The presentation also touches on the demise of democracy in Germany and explores the German conception of obedience. For more information contact Mary Beth Kwasek, 309.796.5330.