Holocaust vs Rwandan Genocide Essay Example

of genocide.

In relation to the Rwandan Genocide, their level of preparedness was not equal to that of the Holocaust. The violence only escalated after Rwanda was granted independence by Belgium. Disputes arose over who would take control following the dissolution of the monarchy and withdrawal of Belgian troops. During the genocide, the Hutus utilized outdated and inexpensive weapons like machetes and AK-74s. Unlike the German Concentration camps, there were no specific locations planned by the Hutus for carrying out the genocide; instead, they used existing buildings as their operational base. However, a shared element between them is polarization.

Polarization is the utilization of propaganda during genocides, aiming to rally support for the "cause" and the killing of victims. In the Holocaust, Nazis employed posters that dehumanized Jews and portrayed them as inferior to Aryans, especially targeting the young minds with stereotypical characteristics. Similarly, in Rwanda, the RTLM radio broadcast became a tool of communication for Hutus, employing secret phrases like "Cut the tall trees" to encourage violence against Tutsis. In all genocides, victims were mercilessly killed. The Rwandan Genocide resulted in approximately 800,000 deaths and mass exiles, accounting for a significant thirteen percent of Rwanda's population at the time, which was around 6,000,000. The Holocaust witnessed an even greater number of casualties.

The Holocaust resulted in the death of an immense number of 6,000,000 Jews, according to the History Place. This figure is equivalent to the population of Rwanda, illustrating how both events signify horrific genocides. Despite differences, genocide remains genocide – the wholesale killing of any race, group, or religion is unmistakeable. Both the Rwandan Genocide and the Holocaust exemplify

these characteristics as significant and large-scale events that have affected humanity.