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The Diary of a Young Girl

by Anne Frank

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Student Question

In Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, what effect has the Nazi occupation had on Anne's family?

Quick answer:

The Nazi occupation drastically altered the Frank family's life, imposing severe restrictions on their freedom. Jews were forced to wear yellow stars, barred from using public transportation, and limited to shopping during restricted hours. Social and recreational activities were prohibited, and Jews could only attend Jewish schools. Living under constant threat, the Franks went into hiding when Margot received a summons from Nazi authorities, a common precursor to deportation and disappearance.

Expert Answers

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In the diary entry dated "Saturday, 20 June, 1942," Anne gives a brief history of her family. She starts by discussing when her parents met and got married, when she and Margot were born, and what different companies her father has worked for. Then she talks about the results of the Dutch capitulation to the Nazis in May of 1940. Everything changed for Jews in Holland once the Nazis took over. She remembers "Anti-Jewish decrees" came one right after another at that time. First, Jews had to wear yellow stars; then, they had to stop riding bicycles; next, they were forbidden to ride public transportation; and finally, they couldn't drive. Jews had to walk everywhere they went. Soon thereafter, Jews couldn't shop except for two hours in the afternoon and only at shops specifically labeled for their use. But the effects of Nazi control don't stop there as Anne explains in the following passage:

"Jews are forbidden to visit theaters, cinemas, and other places of entertainment. Jews may not take part in public sports. Swimming baths, tennis courts, hockey fields, and other sports grounds are all prohibited to them. Jews may not visit Christians. Jews must go to Jewish schools, and many more restrictions of a similar kind" (4).

For two years, the Franks lived under Nazi control and restrictions on their freedom. Along with all of these restrictions, Jews lived in fear of their lives. Jews were "called up" by the Nazis, which meant that they were to appear before the authorities at an appointed time. People usually never came home after being called up. Once Margot received a call, the Frank family went into hiding the very next day. 

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