Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein on the ‘failures’ of the U.S. response to the Holocaust

Filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein join Margaret Hoover to discuss their new three-part documentary series, “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” which examines America’s response to Nazi atrocities, why the U.S. failed to take in more refugees, and how themes from the past echo today.

They discuss how Hitler was inspired by the brutality levied on Native and Black Americans and how rampant anti-Semitism in the U.S. led President Franklin D. Roosevelt to limit the scope of the U.S. response to the humanitarian crisis.

They also discuss what Americans knew of Hitler’s acts, when they knew it, and how public opinion shifted as imagery from death camps began making its way into American newspapers.

Botstein and Burns reflect on how the documentary’s themes resonate with contemporary America, as genocide continues around the globe and pro-authoritarian sentiments threaten democratic institutions.

The series, which Botstein says “can be a warning,” starts this Sunday, September 18th on PBS.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Stephens Inc., Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, Asness Family Foundation, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, and The Marc Haas Foundation.