Students will use a graphic organizer to help them compare two extremist groups, past or present, and analyze the roots of the groups’ violence and hate. What factors cause groups to justify killing others—even innocents—and what do they hope to gain through such acts?

Recent events like those in Norway, and historical ones like the Holocaust, raise profound questions, including how individuals and groups could commit such horrific crimes. Going deeper with the questioning, what are the similarities and differences between the groups responsible, and the historical, psychological, economic, and social factors at the roots of their hate? Making comparisons helps students to analyze and classify the information as they engage in challenging research questions like these.

Extremism is on the rise around the world, from Europe, to the Middle East, to the United States, but it is not a new phenomenon. The Ku Klux Klan, the Nazis, the Bolsheviks in Russia, and the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution are just a few of the groups throughout history that sowed hate and violence. Today, Neo-Nazis and Al Qaeda are examples of groups willing to kill to achieve their ends.

Reference the Extremist Resources PDF document for additional background information on extremism, as well as selected extremist groups across time and space.

Step 1:  Lead a brief discussion about the recent events in Norway. Have students locate Norway, Scandinavia, and Europe on a map (if available) and ask if the students know what reasons the killer gave for his horrific acts. Provide some context for students to understand the statements, including the fact that many recent immigrants to Norway and the rest of Europe are Muslims from the Middle East and North Africa (have students find these areas on a map, as well.) You may also wish to share this excellent summary and video segment with your students.

Step 2: Explain that the killer claims he is part of an organization which is fighting for the “true” culture of Norway and that he believes his actions were not a crime. Ask if they know of any other organizations in the world today—or in history—that have justified hate and violence, even against innocent children and others. Explain that there have been many violent extremist groups throughout history, and that the number of these groups is currently rising. Refer to the Extremist Resources PDF for more details.

Step 3: Pass out the Comparison Organizer worksheet or show students a similar technology-based graphic organizer such as the Compare and Contrast template in Inspiration® if you have access to the software or a 30-day free trial. Explain to students that they will be able to choose two current or historical extremist organizations to research and compare using library and online resources. Suggest groups that they might choose, such as the Ku Klux Klan, the Nazis, and Al Qaeda. Provide them with the Extremist Resources PDF, preferably as an electronic document from which they can hyperlink.

Step 4: Do a quick example with students so they understand the process. You might have students suggest two groups to compare, such as the Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Explain that similarities between the two groups can be listed in the center of the organizer, such as “Belief in white supremacy” and differences can be listed on the outside, such as “Responsible for Holocaust” and “Germany” for the Nazis and “United States” for the KKK.

Step 5: Suggest students choose a partner with whom to conduct the research, but have each complete their own graphic organizer comparison, either with the worksheet or a computer. Suggest they incorporate symbols or images—such as a U.S. flag for the United States—to illustrate the text in their diagrams. Explain that incorporating visuals into their comparisons will help the students better understand and remember the content, in addition to providing visual aids to help them communicate what they learn to others.
 

Create timelines or chronologies of the important developments in the history of the extremist groups. Add symbols and images to illustrate the events.

Have students present their findings to the class or develop their comparison organizers into written papers.

Have students develop short documentary films or websites about extremism in general or a specific extremist group or groups.

Show one or more video clips about extremist groups before students start the research process. One clip can be accessed from Step 1 of the Procedure and several others from the Extremist Resources PDF.