Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Cautionary Tales Presents: Warfare, The Life of Anne Frank
Oct 14, 2022
Gertrude Broek, a Senior historical researcher at the Anne Frank House, provides a riveting exploration of Anne Frank's life before and during WWII. She delves into the resilience and creativity of Anne, showcasing how her diary became a powerful testament to the Jewish experience. The discussion highlights the Frank family's migration to the Netherlands, the complex reasons behind their decision to hide, and the legacy of Anne's writings that continue to resonate today. Broek's insights illuminate the historical significance and relevance of Anne's journey.
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Frank Family Background
- The Frank family, though associated with Amsterdam, were originally German, and Otto Frank's father had built a successful banking career in Frankfurt.
- However, financial struggles during and after WWI, compounded by the 1929 crash and the rise of Nazism, led the family to seek refuge elsewhere.
Early Move to Amsterdam
- The Franks' move to Amsterdam in 1933 wasn't a last-minute escape but a considered decision based on business opportunities.
- This allowed them to establish a network of friends and business contacts before going into hiding.
The Helpers
- Four office staff, including Hermann van Pels (who had expertise in the food industry), and a warehouse man helped hide the Franks.
- The warehouse man's illness and replacement with someone unaware of the secret diminished their sense of security.