Germany declared war against the United States on December 11, 1941, only four days after the “Day of Infamy” when Japanese bomber planes launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The United States armed forces were eager to defend themselves against Hilter’s German war machine, finally awaking from their slumber of neutrality. After joining the war, the United States endured almost five years of Hitler’s torment. While this is a notable amount of time, it is demeaned by the nearly three decade span of time which the German people were held as victims under Hitler’s persuasive power or hunted for their conflicting ideals.
In 1936 one could not find a more patriotic country than Germany or a more passionate and dedicated leader than Adolph Hitler. During 1935 and 1936 the German people had regained their self-respect and determination. Most citizens felt that they had no reason to fear the three major concentration camps in existence, and it was common law that Jews were not permitted to live in Germany. Hitler was very well thought of by his people, though not everyone was trustworthy of his power and greed. In the novel, the Schwart family relocates to Milburn, New York just before the winter season was in full swing during 1936. The father, Jacob Schwart, wished to flee the Nazi party and Hitler and thought that he could find his salvation in a “Hitler-free” United States. Jacob assumed that immigrating to the states would assist him with saving his family and obtaining employment to provide for them. Like many others during the pre-war era, he was mistaken to believe that his safety and security could lie in a foreign country.
