Fact Check: The Holocaust was the genocide of six million Jews during World War II.

Fact Check: "The Holocaust was the genocide of six million Jews during World War II."

What We Know

The Holocaust refers to the systematic extermination of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators during World War II, from 1941 to 1945. This figure represents about two-thirds of the Jewish population in Europe at that time (Holocaust and Genocide Studies, World War II: Holocaust, The Extermination of European Jews). The term "Holocaust" is derived from the Greek word for "sacrifice by fire," and it has been widely adopted to describe the genocide of Jews, although it can also refer to the broader context of Nazi atrocities against various groups, including non-Jewish victims, totaling around five million additional deaths (Holocaust and Genocide Studies).

The genocide was characterized by the establishment of concentration and extermination camps, where mass killings were conducted through various means, including gas chambers. Notable camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau became symbols of this horrific period, where nearly a million Jews were murdered (Holocaust and Genocide Studies, World War II: Holocaust, The Extermination of European Jews).

Analysis

The claim that the Holocaust was the genocide of six million Jews during World War II is supported by extensive historical documentation and research. The figure of six million is corroborated by numerous sources, including academic studies, survivor testimonies, and Nazi documentation (Holocaust and Genocide Studies, World War II: Holocaust, The Extermination of European Jews). The Holocaust is considered one of the most documented genocides in history, with a wealth of evidence including photographs, testimonies, and records from the Nazi regime itself (Evidence and documentation for the Holocaust).

Critically, the reliability of the sources that affirm this claim is high. Institutions such as Yad Vashem and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are dedicated to preserving the memory and facts surrounding the Holocaust. These organizations are recognized for their rigorous historical research and commitment to education about the Holocaust (Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Holocaust Facts: Where Does the Figure of 6 Million Victims ...).

Moreover, the figure of six million has been the subject of scrutiny and debate, particularly among Holocaust deniers. However, these denials are widely discredited and are often rooted in antisemitism rather than factual evidence (Holocaust and Genocide Studies, World War II: Holocaust, The Extermination of European Jews). The overwhelming consensus among historians is that the Holocaust did indeed occur as described, and the six million figure is a well-established estimate.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "The Holocaust was the genocide of six million Jews during World War II" is accurate and supported by a substantial body of evidence. The systematic extermination of Jews by the Nazi regime is one of the most thoroughly documented genocides in history, with credible sources affirming the scale and intent of these atrocities.

Fact Check: The Holocaust was the genocide of six million Jews during World War II.