Anne Franks Childhood -

Anne Frank Biography

 

As a history teacher learning about Anne Franks childhood was important to me. I had read the Anne Frank biography and read the diary itself but none of that was quite the same as visiting the actual house. Visiting Anne Frank house is like taking a step back in time and you find yourself overwhelmed at times with what this young girl must have gone through during some of the most difficult times in history. Unfortunately, the modern world has also led to change and the outside facade has lost the charm it once had and now looks like a tourist attraction. However, once you enter, that all changes and it will be worth every cent. Let's take the time to learn about Anne Franks childhood and Anne Frank House.

 

 

 

 

Anne Franks Life Story

Anne Frank was born on June 12, 1929 in Germany. She was the second daughter of Otto Frank and Edith Frank-Holländer. She had a sister named Margot who was 3 years old at the time of her birth. The Franks were, of course, Jewish.

Anne's father Otto worked at a bank owned by the family. It looked like Anne Franks childhood was going to be like any other young girls. She and her sister were popular kids. In 1933 with all of the problems in Germany and the rise of anti-Semitism the Franks decided to move to the Netherlands . Everything seemed fine and the Frank's were happy until the German army invaded the Netherlands in 1940. The Jews were forced to follow the same restrictions as other Jews in countries such as Poland and Czechoslovakia. All Jews had to wear the star of David. There were some rumours of the existence of concentration camps but nobody was really sure.

In 1942 Anne would turn 13 and she received a diary as a present. From this day on it would become one of Anne's the most treasured possessions and one of histories greatest documents. The Franks knew something was wrong when Margot got a call and was told that she had to report to work camp duty. Now they were beginning to believe the rumors were true. Otto Frank had an idea that deportations might happen so he began to prepare a hiding place for the family and another family, the Van Pels. The secret annex was concealed by a moveable bookcase in a building owned by Otto Franks company. Otto Franks employees helped by bringing them food and clothing. They were never allowed to leave the building and had to stay quiet during the day because there were workers in the lower level. While all of this was going on Anne continued to write in her diary. They hid in the annex for two years and finally the allies landed on D-Day and they had hope for there liberation.

On August 4, 1944 a car pulled up to the front of the building and an SS officer entered the building and ordered one of the workers to show them the secret annex. Everyone was taken away and Anne's diary was recovered by one of Otto's workers. On September 3, 1944 all of those in hiding were packed on a train and sent to Auschwitz. Instead of being sent to the gas chamber they were given hard labour. Anne and Margot were transported to Bergen-Belsen and died of typhus in March 1945, only a few weeks before the camp was liberated by the British. Otto Frank was the only one to survive.

The story of Anne Franks childhood and her diary have had a tremendous impact on me and I'm sure the same will happen to you. Take a look below for all of the relevant information on Anne Frank House. I hope this brief look at Anne Franks childhood will help you appreciate your visit. You'll learn all about Anne Franks life story at the museum.