"First They Came" Summary

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"First They Came" Summary

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"First They Came" by Martin Niemoller

"First They Came" by Martin Niemoller

By Lauren Ayube

Originally part of a speech, many variations of the poem have circulated since the 1950s. Niemoller wrote these words after he spent seven years in Nazi concentration camps for opposing the Nazi control over churches, and realized the immense mistreatment that Jewish people endured.

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First They Came

First They Came Themes

First They Came Poem Summary

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First They Came by Martin Niemoller Literature Connection

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Storyboard Description

Create a storyboard that summarizes the narrative in the poem "First They Came"

Storyboard Text

"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out, because I am not a communist." The poem begins with the first group of people that the Nazis took over. Since the poet was not a communist, he did nothing about it. Why would he?
The poet goes on to say that next, they came for the trade unionists, those who spoke out against unfair wages and working conditions. Since the poet is not someone who is speaking out against wages, he does not feel the need to speak out. When they come for the Jews, he does not speak out, because it does not involve him.
Finally, the Nazis come for him because he opposes their views on controlling the church. As he did not stand up for others before him, no one is standing up for him. The author has learned that you cannot expect others to help you if you stand by and don't help others in need.

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