General Essay – Activity
[Excerpt From Holodomor in Ukraine, The Genocidal Famine 1932-33: Teaching Materials for Teachers and Students – By Valentina Kuryliw]
”THE HOLODOMOR, 1932-1933—A UKRAINIAN GENOCIDE” VALENTINA KURYLIW.
The questions below may be used as a guide for a class discussion. The results of the discussion could be checked orally or handed in for marking.
Read the background article and discuss the questions below
- What groups did the Soviet authorities specifically target in Ukraine?
- According to the article what is the estimated number of victims of this tragedy?
- Why is the Ukrainian Holodomor considered to be one of the worst tragedies of the 20th century?
- How did Stalin deal with the farmers in Ukraine?
- List the actions of Soviet authorities that led to the Genocidal Famine inUkraine.
- What reason is given for these actions against the population of Ukraine?
- How did foreign journalists deal with the famine in Ukraine in 1932-1933?
- Why was this the case?
- Explain how Canadians were affected by events in Ukraine in 1932-1933.
- Why was it possible to cover up the Famine for over 70 years?
- Why has the discussion about the “Holodomor” surfaced today?
- What does the term “Holodomor” mean?
- Why was it important for Canada to recognize the Ukrainian tragedy as an genocide? When did this occur?
- Do you think it is possible to hide a genocide like the Ukrainian Holodomor from the world today? Explain your answer.
Bonus question: List other genocides that have occurred since 1933 in which “food was used as a weapon”.
Download print friendly version of the activity
We are committed to providing accessible information. If you need alternate formats, please contact us.