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Hitler Becomes Germany's Leader
The death of Germany's then president allows the chancellor, Hitler, to take his place. -
German Jews Lose their Citizenship
Nazis declare Jews are excluded from German citizenship and other basic rights. -
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Spiegelman Meets Anja Zylberberg for the First Time
During a regular holiday visit to his family in Sosnowiec, Vladek's cousin introduces him to her friend, Anja. The two begin to regularly exchange phone calls and letters as Vladek lives about 35-40 miles away. -
Spiegelman Marries Anja Zylberberg
Vladek marries Anja and moves into one of his father-in-law's apartments. -
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Spiegelman's First Son, Richeu, is Born
Spiegelman's first son, Richeu is born in the month of October (unspecified exxact date). Anja later experiences possible post-partum depression, leading her to stay at a sanitarium for several months. -
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Spiegelman Sees the Swastika for the First Time
On their way to a sanitarium, Vladek and his wife see a Nazi flag while on a train. Unspecified date. -
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Kristallnacht
Known as "the Night of Broken Glass," Kristallnacht was a wide spread pogrom (attack on Jews) in Germany and Austria. -
Spiegelman is Drafted to serve in the Polish Army
Vladek recieves a letter in the mail as he is part of the Polish Army Reserves. He is selected to fight in the upcoming war. -
Spiegelman goes to Battle as the War Begins
After recieving a draft notice in August, Vladek, who previously served, goes to duty due to the war. By September, he is on the frontier. -
Jews Begin to be Placed into Ghettos/ Concentration Camps
Jews are segregated into neighborhoods before being sent to concentration camps to do harsh labor or die. -
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Parshas Truma - Vladek Released from War Prison
Vladek is released from Nazi war prison on Parshas Truma, the day he was promised by a voice in his dream, three months prior. He is released in the middle of February. -
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Wiesel meets Moishe
A young boy, Elie meets Moishe, who helped him in his religious studies. Late December. -
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Moishe Warns Sighet about Concentration Camps
Wiesel's friend, Moishe escapes from a camp and returns to Sighet, warning others. He is mistakened as insane and ignored. Unspecified date. -
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Spiegelman's Son, Richeu, Passes Away
After leaving his parents for safety, those in Richeu's area begins to be sent to concentration camps. Spiegelman's sister-in-law decides to poison herself, her children, and Richeu instead of being killed. The specific date is unspecified. -
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Spiegelman Moves to Srodula
Jews are relocated to Scrodula where they are forced to work in shops and factories. Date is unspecified. -
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Spiegelman and his Wife go into Hiding
Fleeing from the Nazis, the couple moves to various places to avoid being killed. -
Jews of Sighet (Including Wiesel) Moved into Ghettos
Nazis move the Jews into small neighborhoods while preparing to send them to concentration camps. -
Wiesel Transfers to a Second Ghetto
Around this time, Elie and his family are sent to a second and smaller ghetto, closer to being taken to Auschwitz. -
Wiesel is Sent onto a Cattle Car
From the ghetto, Elie and his family are packed into a crowded cattle car, taken to an undisclosed location around this time. -
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Wiesel Arrives at Auschwitz
Taken by cattle car, Elie spends several days in the crowded space before arriving at the camp. -
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Wiesel has Foot Surgery
Injured by the cold, Elie's foot is performed on in the infirmary. Unspecified date. -
Wiesel Evacuates Auschwitz
With a healing foot, Elie chooses to evacuate as the Russians approach the camp instead of staying. -
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Wiesel's Father Passes Away
After a long battle, Elie's father passes away due to illness and weakness from his hardships. -
Wiesel is Liberated
Americans come to the camp and free all its inhabitants, including an orphaned Elie. -
Adolf Hitler Commits Suicide
The leader of Nazi Germany, Hitler, commits suicide to avoid being captured and tortured by the Russians.
