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Anne Frank 1929 - 1945

Anne Frank was born on June 12, 1929 in Frankfurt, Darmstadt County, HE Germany to Edith (Hollander) Frank and Otto Heinrich Frank, and had a sister Margot Frank. Anne Frank died at age 16 years old in 1945 at Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau 20 Więźniów Oświęcimia, in Oświęcim, Powiat oświęcimski County, Małopolskie Poland, and was buried at Bergen-Belsen Memorial Anne-Frank-Platz, in Lohheide, NDS Germany.

Anne Frank

Annelies Marie Frank

June 12, 1929

Frankfurt, Darmstadt County, HE, Germany

1945

Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau 20 Więźniów Oświęcimia, in Oświęcim, Powiat oświęcimski County, Małopolskie, 32-603, Poland

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Anne Frank Anne Frank (1929 - 1945)

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Anne Frank's History: 1929 - 1945

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Introduction

Anne Frank, born on June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt, Germany, is an iconic figure known for her diary, which has become a testament to the human spirit and a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. As a Jewish girl growing up during the Holocaust, Anne's life was tragically cut short, but her words have left an indelible mark on history. In 1933, Anne and her family fled Germany to escape the persecution of Jews under the Nazi regime, settling in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. While in hiding during World War II, Anne chronicled her experiences, thoughts, and dreams in her diary, which she received as a gift on her thirteenth birthday. This diary, known as "The Diary of a Young Girl" or simply "Anne Frank's Diary," has since been published in numerous languages and has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Anne's diary (see Anne Frank's Diary Published in English 65 Years Later) vividly portrays her personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering hope for a better future. Through her eloquent and introspective writings, she provided a unique perspective on the daily challenges faced by those in hiding and the profound impact of the Holocaust on individuals and families. Tragically, Anne and her family were discovered by the Nazis in 1944 and deported to concentration camps. Anne perished at the young age of 15 in the Bergen-Belsen camp in early 1945, just weeks before its liberation. Despite her untimely death, Anne Frank's diary continues to resonate with readers of all ages, offering a glimpse into the resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit of a young girl amidst unimaginable circumstances. Her story serves as a reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the enduring power of hope, compassion, and the written word. Anne Frank's legacy lives on as a symbol of humanity's ability to find light in the darkest of times and serves as a timeless voice for tolerance, understanding, and the pursuit of justice.
06/12

1929

Birthday

June 12, 1929

Birthdate

Frankfurt, Darmstadt County, HE Germany

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

Anne Frank came from a Jewish background, which shaped her ethnicity and family history. Her father, Otto Frank, was born into a Jewish family in Frankfurt, Germany, and her mother, Edith Frank-Holländer, also came from a Jewish family in Aachen, Germany. Anne had an older sister named Margot Frank.
Nationality & Locations

She was born on June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt, Germany, where her family resided. However, due to the rise of the Nazis and the increasing anti-Semitic sentiment in Germany, the Franks fled to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 1933. They hoped to find safety and a more tolerant environment there. In Amsterdam, the Frank family initially lived in the Rivierenbuurt neighborhood. However, when the Nazis occupied the Netherlands during World War II, Anne and her family went into hiding in a secret annex located at 263 Prinsengracht, behind her father Otto Frank's office building. This hiding place, commonly referred to as the "Secret Annex," became their home from July 6, 1942, until their arrest on August 4, 1944. The Secret Annex provided a hiding place for the Frank family and four others: Hermann, Auguste, and Peter van Pels, and Fritz Pfeffer. The cramped and concealed space consisted of several rooms, including a bedroom shared by Anne and her sister Margot, a kitchen, a small bathroom, and a shared living area. Tragically, the Franks' hiding place was discovered, and they were arrested by the Nazis. After their arrest, they were initially sent to Westerbork transit camp in the Netherlands and were later transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland. In October 1944, Anne and Margot were transferred to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they both succumbed to illness and malnutrition in early 1945, just weeks before the camp's liberation.
Early Life & Education

Anne Frank's education was primarily influenced by her time in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where she lived during her formative years. Before the family went into hiding, Anne attended the Montessori School in Amsterdam. The Montessori education system emphasized independent learning and personal development, which had a lasting impact on Anne's intellectual growth and curiosity. While in hiding in the Secret Annex, Anne's education continued through self-study and reading. She voraciously consumed a wide range of books, including literature, history, philosophy, and language textbooks. Anne's diary entries often reflect her desire for self-improvement and her dedication to intellectual pursuits. Through her extensive reading, she expanded her knowledge and developed a keen understanding of various subjects. Anne's writings in her diary also reveal her deep interest in writing and storytelling. She honed her writing skills during her time in hiding, using her diary as a means of self-expression and reflection. Anne's eloquence and ability to convey her thoughts and emotions through words demonstrated her talent as a writer and provided a glimpse into her intellectual growth during her confinement. Anne's education was tragically cut short when the Franks were discovered and arrested in 1944. Her potential for further intellectual development and formal education was never fully realized due to the horrors of the Holocaust.
Religious Beliefs

Anne Frank was born into a Jewish family and practiced the Jewish faith. Her parents, Otto and Edith Frank, came from Jewish backgrounds, and they raised their daughters, Anne and Margot, with Jewish traditions and values. Judaism played a significant role in Anne's life and upbringing. She celebrated Jewish holidays, observed religious rituals, and participated in family and community events within the Jewish community. Anne's diary entries often mention her connection to her Jewish identity, expressing her pride in her heritage and reflecting on the religious teachings she received. However, it's important to note that Anne's diary also reflects her evolving thoughts and personal beliefs. Over time, she developed a more independent and introspective approach to spirituality and religion. While she maintained her Jewish identity, Anne explored broader philosophical and existential questions about faith, human existence, and the nature of God. During their time in hiding, Anne and her family were unable to practice their religion openly. They had to conceal their Jewish identity to avoid detection by the Nazis. Despite the challenges they faced, Anne's diary entries indicate that her faith remained an important part of her inner life and provided her with solace and strength during their difficult circumstances.
Professional Career

Anne Frank's diary, which she received as a gift on her thirteenth birthday, became her most significant literary achievement. Through her writings, she provided a unique and intimate account of her experiences, thoughts, and emotions while in hiding during the Holocaust. The diary, known as "The Diary of a Young Girl," has been published in numerous languages and has captivated readers worldwide. It remains one of the most widely read and influential books of the 20th century. Although Anne did not have the chance to pursue formal education or professional training, her passion for writing and storytelling shines through in her diary. She demonstrated remarkable talent and skill as a writer, displaying a keen sense of observation, a gift for storytelling, and a mature and reflective writing style. Her diary serves as a testament to the power of her words and the impact of her personal narrative. Since the posthumous publication of her diary, Anne Frank has become an iconic figure, symbolizing the millions of innocent lives lost during the Holocaust. Her story has inspired countless individuals and continues to raise awareness about the human capacity for resilience, hope, and compassion. Through her writing, Anne Frank's "career" has transcended time and tragedy, leaving a lasting legacy that reminds us of the importance of bearing witness, standing against injustice, and cherishing the value of every individual's voice.
Personal Life & Family

Anne Frank's personal life, as revealed through her diary, provides a glimpse into the thoughts, emotions, and aspirations of a young girl growing up during one of the darkest periods in history. In her diary, which she named "Kitty," Anne poured out her innermost thoughts and feelings. She wrote about her relationships with her family members, particularly her complex bond with her mother and her admiration for her father. She also expressed her deep love for her sister Margot, with whom she shared the confined space of the Secret Annex during their years in hiding. Anne's diary entries revealed her vibrant and curious personality. She was a vivacious and outgoing young girl, with a sharp sense of humor and a zest for life. She had a strong desire for self-expression and intellectual growth, and she turned to writing as an outlet for her emotions and aspirations. Anne dreamt of becoming a writer or a journalist in the future and held onto hope even in the face of the immense challenges imposed by their hidden existence. Throughout her diary, Anne also shared her thoughts on love, friendship, and adolescence. She developed a close bond with Peter van Pels, another occupant of the Secret Annex, and their blossoming relationship provided solace and companionship during their confinement.
1945

Death

1945

Death date

typhus/concentration camp

Cause of death

Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau 20 Więźniów Oświęcimia, in Oświęcim, Powiat oświęcimski County, Małopolskie 32-603, Poland
Death location

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Gravesite & Burial

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Funeral date
Bergen-Belsen Memorial Anne-Frank-Platz, in Lohheide, NDS 29303, Germany
Burial location
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Anne Frank lived 60 years shorter than the average family member when died at the age of 15.

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7 Memories, Stories & Photos about Anne

Kathy Pinna

32.6k+ favorites

04/27/2017

Frank Family

A photo of the Frank family in the Netherlands on their way to a wedding.

Date & Place: in Netherlands

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Elisa Chaplin

13 favorites

05/03/2017

Edith and Margot are not present in this photo, L-R Miep Gies foster parents, Laurens and Anna Nieuwenberg,Otto and Anne Frank, Elly Voskuijl, Esther, a worker at Opekta, and the Nieuwenberg's granddaughter.

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Rodrioh Aguilejra11

4 favorites

08/27/2020

Ana Frank

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Kathy Pinna

32.6k+ favorites

04/27/2017

Anne Frank 1940

A photo of Anne Frank and her dog in 1940.

Date & Place: 1940 in Netherlands

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AncientFaces

411 favorites

08/04/2020

Just a few days over a month before Nazi death camp Bergen-Belsen was liberated on April 15th, Anne Frank died on March 12 1945 of typhus. Generations of children have read her "diary" - her father, who survived, edited her diary and published it in 1947. This is Ann and her dog in 1940.

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