Comparison of Rwandan Genocide and Holocaust

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With the darkest sides of humanity exposed, where would you stand? The Rwandan genocide was a mass murder that began April 6, 1994, lasting about 100 days (History.com Staff). The death toll reached 800,000 of mostly Tutsis (Fisanick 40). Struggles for governmental control had altered many times but the Hutus seized authority when the genocide commenced (Fisanick 40). The Holocaust was the persecution and massacre of European Jews, primarily led by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party during World War II, lasting from January 30, 1933 to May 8, 1945 (“Introduction”). The Rwandan genocide and the Holocaust are parallel in its roots of religious affiliations as well as the insignificant international assistance offered during the times of the massacres. However, imprisonment prior to killing and the actual method of killing considerably separate the two. Similitude of these genocides can be seen in their derivations and the negligence casted across the world in response to both situations. Origins of both revolting slaughters revolved around religion. Favoritism of the Tutsis over the Hutus is believed to be the initial point that led to the genocide as missionaries of the Catholic Church advantaged only the Tutsis in providing them with education (Fisanick 40). White Father Leon Classe, a missionary, suggested this as he believed the preferential treatment based on social hierarchy was the only way for a successful mission (Fisanick 43). This gained knowledge served as an opportunity to seize ultimate authority over the Hutus (Fisanick 40). Ironically, towards the end of the genocide, Catholic bishops expressed in a letter that to rebuild Rwanda, the disposal of racial barriers was vital (Fisanick 45). It was almost a joke s... ... middle of paper ... ...stina. “Tutsi Favoritism by the Catholic Church Contributed to the Genocide.” The Rwanda Genocide. San Diego: Greenshaven, 2004. 40-46. Print. History.com Staff. "The Rwandan Genocide." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. . "History Place: Genocide in the 20th Century, The." The History Place. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. . "Introduction to the Holocaust." United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. United States Holocaust Memorial Council, 10 June 2013. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. . "Path to Nazi Genocide, The." United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. United States Holocaust Memorial Council. Web. 15 Apr. 2014. .

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