Table of ContentsIntroductionBody ParagraphsHistorical BackgroundSchindler's Motivations and TransformationActions and ImpactCriticisms and ControversiesConclusionIntroductionThe Holocaust remains one of the most distressing periods in human history, characterized by the systematic extermination of six million Jews by the Nazi regime. In this context of terror and genocide, certain individuals appeared as beacons of humanity, risking their lives to save others. One such individual was Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist whose efforts to save more than a thousand Jews were immortalized in Thomas Keneally's novel "Schindler's Ark" and Steven Spielberg's subsequent film "Shindler's Ark." Schindler's List. This research paper explores the historical context, motivations and actions of Oskar Schindler, exploring how his moral transformation and courageous efforts left an indelible mark on history. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBody paragraphsHistorical backgroundThe rise to power of the Nazi regime in 1933 marked the beginning of an era characterized by intense anti-Semitism and the implementation of policies aimed at the systematic persecution of Jews. In 1939, with the invasion of Poland, the regime's objectives escalated to the point of annihilating the Jewish population. Ghettos were created and Jews were subjected to inhumane conditions, forced labor and ultimately deportation to concentration camps. It was in this context that Oskar Schindler, initially a profiteer and member of the Nazi Party, began to witness the atrocities committed against the Jews. Schindler's Motives and Transformation Initially, Schindler's motives for employing Jews in his enamel factory, Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF), were driven by economic gain. Jewish labor was cheap and readily available, allowing Schindler to maximize his profits. However, as the war progressed and the horrors of the Holocaust became more evident, Schindler's motivations underwent a profound transformation. Witnessing the brutal liquidation of the Krakow ghetto in 1943 and the inhumane conditions of the Plaszów labor camp, Schindler's perspective shifted from opportunism to one of moral responsibility. It was this transformation that led him to use his resources and connections to protect his Jewish workers from deportation and death. Actions and Impact Schindler's efforts to save his Jewish workers involved a combination of trickery, corruption, and strategic manipulation of Nazi officials. He leveraged his connections within the Nazi Party and the SS to secure exemptions for his workers, often at great personal risk. By presenting his factory as essential to the war effort, Schindler was able to assert that his Jewish workers were indispensable, thus protecting them from deportation to extermination camps. Furthermore, Schindler's acquisition of the Brünnlitz factory in Moravia in 1944 marked an important turning point. Here he established a subcamp, ensuring better living conditions and protecting his workers until the end of the war. The impact of Schindler's actions is profound. By the end of the war, he had saved the lives of approximately 1,200 Jews, known as "Schindlerjuden" or "Schindler's Jews." The legacy of his actions is preserved not only through the testimonies of survivors but also through the recognition he received posthumously. In 1963, Schindler was declared "Righteous Among the Nations" by the government.