History of Sorts

This blog has nothing to do with the Holocaust—yet, paradoxically, it has everything to do with it. It has nothing to do with the Holocaust because the event I am discussing took place decades later. And yet, it has everything to do with the Holocaust because it illustrates just how easy it was for a sophisticated, democratic nation to be led astray, its people transformed into obedient followers of a dangerous ideology.

The first bit title of this post is taken from the 1981 movie The Wave. While the film itself was not a cinematic masterpiece, its message was profound. I have watched it several times, including as a student in school, and its impact has remained with me ever since.

The Wave: An Experiment in Social Conformity

The movie was based on a real-life experiment conducted in 1967 by Ron Jones, a high school history teacher in California. His goal was to help his students understand how the German population during World War II could have claimed ignorance of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. Faced with their skepticism, Jones decided that rather than explaining, he would show them firsthand how easily people could be manipulated into blind obedience.

Jones was known for his unconventional teaching methods. He had previously used hands-on demonstrations, such as making students use segregated restrooms, to illustrate the harsh realities of apartheid. However, nothing could have prepared him—or his students—for what would unfold over the course of five days in what became known as The Third Wave experiment.

In 2008 German director Dennis Gansel, also made a movie based on the experiment, the movie was called “Die Welle” which is German for the wave.

The Third Wave Experiment

Day 1: The Foundation of Discipline

Jones began by implementing strict discipline. He instructed students to sit upright, respond concisely, and address him as “Mr. Jones” at all times. He drilled them on proper posture and classroom behavior, transforming what was once a typical history class into an environment of strict order and obedience. What started as a simple exercise in discipline soon took on a life of its own.

Day 2: Strength Through Unity

On the second day, Jones deepened the sense of community among the students. He introduced a new salute—a cupped hand across the chest, eerily reminiscent of a fascist gesture—and mandated that students greet one another this way, both inside and outside the classroom. Rather than questioning these new rules, the students complied without hesitation. The atmosphere became charged with a growing sense of unity and purpose.

Day 3: Expansion and Loyalty

By the third day, word of The Third Wave had spread beyond Jones’s classroom. Students who were not even part of his history class began joining in. Membership cards were issued, and participants were assigned tasks such as designing banners and recruiting new members. The once-small experiment had grown to over 200 enthusiastic participants. Disturbingly, some students began reporting peers who failed to follow the rules, demonstrating the rapid development of an authoritarian culture.

Day 4: The Illusion of a Greater Cause

Realizing how quickly the movement was spiraling out of control, Jones decided it was time to end the experiment. He told the students that The Third Wave was part of a national movement and that a presidential candidate would reveal its existence at a rally the next day. Excitement and anticipation spread like wildfire as the students prepared for the supposed announcement.

Day 5: The Truth Revealed

On the final day, the students gathered eagerly, expecting to witness the rise of their movement on a national stage. Instead, Jones presented them with a blank television screen. After a few moments of silence, he revealed the truth: there was no national movement. There never had been. They had willingly followed his commands, allowed themselves to be swept up in the fervor of conformity, and embraced an ideology of superiority—all within five short days. He concluded by showing them a film about Nazi Germany, driving home the painful reality of how easily such movements can take hold.

The Chilling Lesson

What is most striking about The Third Wave experiment is not just how quickly the students were conditioned, but how deeply they embraced the principles of the movement. It did not take years of propaganda, threats, or coercion. It took five days. Five days to alter the behavior and thinking of intelligent, free-thinking individuals in a democratic society.

This experiment serves as a stark reminder that authoritarianism is not confined to any one country or historical period. It could happen anywhere. Given the right circumstances, fear, and a promise of unity, people can be led down dark paths without even realizing it.

History is not just a record of past events—it is a mirror reflecting what is possible in the present and future. The Third Wave was not just an experiment; it was a warning. A warning that we must remain vigilant, question authority, and never allow ourselves to blindly follow the tide, no matter how compelling the current may seem.

Sources

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1063669/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_the%2520wave

https://coffeeordie.com/third-wave-social-experiment

https://libcom.org/article/third-wave-1967-account-ron-jones

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Third_Wave_(experiment)

View at Medium.com

View at Medium.com