The Eichmann Trial and Hannah Arendt’s “Banality of Evil”

This resource from the American Masters film Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny helps students critically examine the actions of Nazi official Adolf Eichmann and a philosophical concept introduced by Hannah Arendt—“the banality of evil.” Through primary source analysis, historical video content, and guided discussions, students explore the essential question: What caused ordinary people to take part in the Holocaust? The support materials invite students to consider Arendt’s insights on complicity and moral responsibility.