Analyzing Documents on the Armenian Genocide

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Objective

I can analyze primary source documents to understand different perspectives on the Armenian Genocide.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

OER Project · 9:42

We don't generate video — this one is by OER Project on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    The term "genocide" was coined in 1944 by Raphael Lemkin, combining the Greek word "genos" meaning race or ethnicity with "cide" meaning murder.

  2. 2

    Between 1915 and 1917, the Ottoman Empire targeted the Armenian people, who had lived relatively peacefully under their rule for centuries.

  3. 3

    The American ambassador to Istanbul, Henry Morgenthau, Sr., described the events of 1915-1917 as "a campaign of race extermination", during which over one million Armenians died.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

3 questions

1

According to the video, what was the primary reason Ottoman rulers began to view Armenian communities as a threat in the 19th century?

2

Explain how the Young Turk Revolution initially offered hope for reform but ultimately contributed to the Armenian Genocide.

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Based on the video, describe one perspective of a Turkish official regarding the Armenian people during World War I. Then, describe one perspective of an Armenian during the same period. Use details from the video to support your answer.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

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