Early cases of genocide

Some of the earliest cases of genocide happened during the Medieval times in Europe. The Babylonians drove the Jews away from Israel, sending them to Europe where they were not welcomed by the Christians. During the Crusades the Jews were expelled from almost every part of Europe.

Why do genocides occur?

Genocides begin because of political or social issues. There is usually a charismatic leader who leads the movement to eradicate a group of people. The followers then make a conscious choice to follow along and participate.

Recently, there has been a genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan caused by a social issue. The Janjaweed, an Arab militia, are killing thousands of black Africans because of tension over land and grazing rights between the Arabs and black Africans.

Victims of genocide

Victims of genocide usually include racial, religious, or ethnic groups.

Probably one of the most famous cases of genocide is that of the Holocaust where 6 million Jews were murdered.

Main methods of genocide

Auschwitz concentration camp

The main forms used to commit genocide are: transformation, repression, expulsion, prevention of reproduction, or extermination.


Transformation is when a group's political, social, or cultural identities are destroyed.


Repression is when a group is kept away and separated from everyone else.


Expulsion is basically deportation; They move the group of people past the countries borders, to a select region, or to camps.


Prevention of reproduction is when they prevent the unwanted people from getting pregnant or giving birth.


Extermination is the killing of a group of people.

What countries have had the deadliest genocides?

China is at the top of the list with 30,000,000 people.


Russia comes in second with 20,000,000 people.


And Germany is third with 11,000,000.