What Happened to Anne Frank? How Long was She in Hiding? What Happened to Her After She was Captured?
by Aishwarya R
Updated May 17, 2023
Who is Anne Frank?
Anne Frank was born in the German city of Frankfurt am Main in 1929, with her sister Margot being three years older. During this time, Germany faced high unemployment and severe poverty. It was also a period marked by the rise of Adolf Hitler and his supporters, who harbored strong hatred towards Jews and blamed them for the country's problems. Exploiting the prevailing anti-Semitic sentiments, Hitler gained more followers.
In light of the growing animosity towards Jews and the dire economic situation, Anne's parents, Otto and Edith Frank, made the decision to relocate to Amsterdam. There, Otto established a company involved in the trade of pectin, a substance used in making jam.
Anne quickly adapted to her new life in the Netherlands. She learned the language, made friends, and attended a local Dutch school near her home. While Otto faced challenges in establishing his business, he persevered. Despite attempting to set up a company in England, his plans fell through. However, things improved when he diversified his business to include the sale of herbs and spices alongside pectin.
The outbreak of the Second World War occurred on September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Shortly after, on May 10, 1940, the Nazis also invaded the Netherlands. Within five days, the Dutch army surrendered. As time passed, the Nazis imposed increasingly restrictive laws and regulations that made life difficult for Jews. Anne found herself excluded from various places, such as parks, cinemas, and non-Jewish shops. Her father's business was confiscated as Jews were no longer permitted to operate their own establishments. Anne, along with all Jewish children, was required to attend separate Jewish schools.
What Happened to Anne Frank?
The Nazis gradually escalated their measures against Jews. It began with the requirement for Jews to wear a Star of David on their clothing, and rumors circulated that all Jews would eventually be forced to leave the Netherlands. When Margot received a call-up notice on July 5, 1942, ordering her to report to a supposed "labour camp" in Nazi Germany, her parents grew suspicious. They doubted that it was truly about work and made the decision to go into hiding the following day, seeking refuge to evade persecution.
In the spring of 1942, Anne's father started preparing a hiding place in the annex of his business premises at Prinsengracht 263. He received assistance from his former colleagues, and soon four more individuals joined them. The hiding place was small and cramped, forcing Anne to remain incredibly quiet and often filled with fear.
Just before going into hiding on her thirteenth birthday, Anne received a diary as a gift. Throughout the two years spent in hiding, Anne documented the events that unfolded within the Secret Annex. She poured out her feelings, thoughts, and also wrote short stories, started working on a novel, and transcribed passages from the books she read into her "Book of Beautiful Sentences." Writing became a means to pass the time and express herself.
When the Minister of Education of the Dutch government in England made a radio appeal on Radio Orange, urging individuals to preserve their war diaries and documents, Anne was inspired to rework her individual diaries into a cohesive narrative. The result was a single continuous story titled "Het Achterhuis" (The Secret Annex).
What Happened to Anne Frank After She was Captured?
Before Anne could complete rewriting her diary, she and the others in hiding experienced a devastating turn of events. On August 4, 1944, they were discovered and arrested by police officers. Two of their helpers were also apprehended. The reason behind the police raid remains unknown to this day. Despite the raid, a portion of Anne's writings was preserved as two other helpers managed to retrieve the documents before the Secret Annex was emptied on the orders of the Nazis.
Through the coordination of the Sicherheitsdienst (the German security police), the individuals from the Secret Annex were transported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp, with a detour through a prison in Amsterdam and the Westerbork transit camp. The arduous train journey lasted three days, during which Anne and over a thousand others were crammed into cattle wagons, facing scarcity of food and water with only a barrel for a toilet.
Upon arrival at Auschwitz, Nazi doctors conducted selections to determine who would be fit for forced labor and who would not. Approximately 350 people from Anne's transport were immediately sent to the gas chambers and murdered. Anne, Margot, and their mother were directed to a women's labor camp, while Otto was taken to a camp for men. In early November 1944, Anne faced yet another deportation. Alongside Margot, she was transported to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, leaving their parents behind in Auschwitz.
The conditions at Bergen-Belsen were horrifying, marked by extreme food shortage, cold weather, dampness, and rampant contagious diseases. Tragically, Anne and Margot contracted typhus. In February 1945, they succumbed to the effects of the disease, with Margot passing away first, followed closely by Anne. Among the individuals from the Secret Annex, Anne's father Otto was the sole survivor of the war. He was liberated from Auschwitz by the Russians and, during his arduous journey back to the Netherlands, he learned of his wife Edith's death. Upon his return to the Netherlands, he received the devastating news of Anne and Margot's demise.
How long was Anne Frank in Hiding?
The Secret Annex, also known as "the back house" (Dutch: Het Achterhuis), served as Anne Frank's hiding place and became the setting for her diary, where she recorded her experiences during the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. Throughout her 761 days in the Secret Annex, each day brought its own unique events, but there was a certain routine that governed life within those concealed walls. By drawing from Anne's diary entries and a few of her short stories, we can reconstruct a picture of what a typical weekday and Sunday in the Secret Annex might have looked like.
Mornings commenced with the ringing of Mr. and Mrs. Van Pels' alarm clock at 6:45 am. Hermann Van Pels would rise, set the kettle on, and head to the bathroom. After fifteen minutes, the bathroom would become available, and Fritz Pfeffer would take his turn. Meanwhile, Anne would remove the blackout screens from the windows. The occupants of the Secret Annex took turns using the bathroom facilities. At 8:30 am, a precarious half-hour period began as the men in the warehouse below would start their workday while the office helpers had not yet arrived. The people in hiding had to remain silent, as any noise could arouse suspicion among the unaware warehouse staff. At 9:00 am, the helpers would commence their work in the office above the warehouse. The occupants of the Secret Annex moved cautiously in their socks, still needing to maintain quietness, but the sounds from above caused less concern. The remainder of the morning was devoted to reading, studying, and preparing for the lunch break.
The lunch break arrived at 12:30 pm when the warehouse workers departed for their midday meal, leaving the helpers and those in hiding with some time alone. Around 12:45 pm, a few of the helpers, typically Johannes Kleiman, Victor Kugler, and Bep Voskuijl, would ascend to the Secret Annex to have lunch. Initially, Johan Voskuijl, Bep's father, often joined them. Jan Gies, Miep's husband, would occasionally be present as well, despite working elsewhere. Miep Gies usually remained in the office to keep watch. For those in hiding, it was a pleasant change to see other faces and learn about the latest news from the city. At 1 pm, they would switch on the radio for the BBC news. Lunch would be enjoyed at 1:15 pm, and at 1:45 pm, the helpers would return to their work.
In the afternoon, after tidying up, most of the occupants would take an afternoon nap. Anne would utilize this time for studying or writing. Around four o'clock, they would have a coffee break and then commence the preparations for dinner. At 5:30 pm, the warehouse workers would head home. Helper Bep Voskuijl would often visit the Secret Annex to check if anyone required anything. After Bep left around a quarter to six, the occupants of the Secret Annex were no longer confined to their hiding place and would disperse throughout the building.
Evenings in the Secret Annex involved various activities. Hermann Van Pels would sort through the day's mail, Peter Van Pels would retrieve bread left for them in the office, Otto Frank would write business letters on the typewriter, and Margot and Anne would handle administrative tasks. Auguste Van Pels and Edith Frank would take charge of cooking dinner. Following the evening meal, they would engage in reading, conversations, or listening to the radio. Around 9 pm, they would start preparing for the night, rearranging furniture, such as in Hermann and Auguste Van Pels' room
What Country was Anne Frank Hiding in?
Anne Frank was hiding in the Netherlands. She described in her diary the miserable days of her life. Sundays in the Secret Annex followed a distinct rhythm, characterized by activities such as scrubbing, sweeping, and washing, as depicted in Anne's story "Sunday." The occupants of the hiding place tended to start the day at a slower pace. Fritz Pfeffer was the first to rise, heading to the bathroom at 8:00 am. The Van Pels family followed suit. Anne found it challenging to watch Fritz Pfeffer pray for fifteen minutes, as it was one of her "ordeal" moments.
From 10:15 am onwards, it was the Frank family's turn to use the facilities. Breakfast on Sundays was not served until 11:30 am. After about forty-five minutes, everyone engaged in various tasks, such as carpet scrubbing, laundry, and making beds.
Following a short break during which they listened to the news, the cleaning and tidying continued until around two o'clock. Another round of radio news, a music program, and a coffee break followed. Subsequently, an extended siesta took place, where they would return to bed for a few hours. Anne expressed her bewilderment at the adults' constant need for sleep.
Anne considered Sundays to be the most dismal day of the week. She would wander from room to room, up and down the stairs, feeling like a songbird whose wings had been torn off, futilely flying against the bars of its cage in darkness. The longing for fresh air and laughter outside would scream within her, but she no longer attempted to respond. Instead, she would lie down on a divan, sleep to pass the time and alleviate the silence and intense fear, knowing that harming their captors was out of the question.
Before dinner, they would listen to a concert broadcasted on the radio. Following the evening meal and the completion of dishwashing, Anne felt "overjoyed" that yet another incredibly tedious Sunday in the Secret Annex had come to an end.
Who Turned in Anne Frank?
The surprising revelation of the investigation, as showcased on CBS's "60 Minutes," pointed to an unexpected culprit: Arnold van den Bergh, a prominent Jewish notary who was desperate to protect his own family. The argument for his involvement was deemed "convincing, if not conclusive" by Alexandra Jacobs, a reviewer for The New York Times. However, the reaction to this revelation from countries closely connected to the story was less favorable. In response to a critical report by five Dutch historians, the Dutch publisher Ambo Anthos announced in March that they would discontinue the publication and remove the book from stores. HarperCollins Germany postponed the book's release but intends to publish a revised version later this year.
Author Francine Sullivan, an accomplished poet turned biographer at the age of 74, embarked on a different kind of project with her work on Anne Frank. As an emerita English professor at the University of Toronto, she had previously authored 14 books, including the acclaimed "Stalin's Daughter: The Extraordinary and Tumultuous Life of Svetlana Alliluyeva" in 2015 and "Villa Air-Bel: World War II, Escape, and a House in Marseille." Sullivan's passion lies in uncovering archival documents and locating interviewees in distant places. She admits to relishing the thrill of the hunt and finds the subtext of biography as captivating as the main narrative. The process of delving into the subject matter involves encounters with people, geographical locations, and political contexts, resulting in a deeply enriching experience.
In the case of her recent book, the research was conducted by an interdisciplinary team utilizing innovative techniques such as artificial intelligence, crowdsourcing, and criminal profiling. Sullivan's role was that of a synthesizer, bringing together all the findings—an area where she possesses extensive expertise. However, her earlier life did not foreshadow her becoming the narrator of such an iconic Holocaust story. Reflecting on her trajectory, Sullivan admits, "I didn't expect this to be my path."
Successful Climax of Anne Frank Life
Anne's diary transcended the confines of the Secret Annex and took flight, soaring across the globe, igniting hearts and minds with its profound message. Its words, etched onto pages by a young girl filled with dreams and aspirations, left an indelible mark on her father, Otto. Touched by Anne's unwavering spirit and her ardent desire to be a writer or journalist, Otto felt compelled to share her remarkable story with the world.
In the summer of 1947, a beacon of hope emerged as 3,000 copies of "The Secret Annex" emerged from the printing press. Little did they know that this was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Like a messenger of truth, the book transcended language barriers, its words cascading into around 70 different tongues, reaching the far corners of the earth. It found its place in the hearts of readers, sparking empathy, understanding, and a shared determination to stand against discrimination, racism, and the vile hatred that befell the Jewish community.
As the world turned its gaze towards Anne's story, the stage and screen came alive, breathing life into her words. The tapestry of her experiences unfolded before audiences, captivating hearts with the power of her resilience and the enduring strength of her spirit. And amidst it all, a sanctuary was born—a haven of remembrance and education—the Anne Frank House, standing proud as a testament to the enduring legacy of one girl's words.
Otto, a guiding light in preserving Anne's memory, became the guardian of her dreams. Until his last breath in 1980, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the Anne Frank House and the museum it became. In his heart, he held a fervent hope—that every reader of Anne's diary would awaken to the perils of discrimination, racism, and the profound importance of embracing love and acceptance.
Anne's diary, once a whisper in the shadows, became a symphony of resilience, an anthem for justice and compassion. Her words, timeless and universal, continue to echo through the corridors of history, inspiring generations to stand against hatred and champion the beauty of diversity. In the pages of her diary, we find the courage to illuminate the darkest corners of our world with the light of empathy and understanding. Anne's spirit lives on, reminding us all of the power of a single voice, a voice that can change the world.
What Happened to Anne Frank - FAQs
Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who gained worldwide recognition for her diary, which she kept while in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. Her diary provides an intimate and poignant account of her experiences, thoughts, and hopes during that time.
Anne Frank's diary, titled "The Diary of a Young Girl" or "Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl," is a collection of Anne's personal writings while she and her family were in hiding. It chronicles her life in the Secret Annex, offering insights into the challenges, fears, and dreams she faced as a Jewish girl during the Holocaust.
Anne Frank, along with her family and four other people, hid in the Secret Annex, a concealed space located above her father's office in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. They lived there for over two years, from July 1942 to August 1944, in an attempt to escape Nazi persecution.
Anne Frank's diary holds immense historical and cultural significance. It provides a firsthand account of the Holocaust from the perspective of a young girl, offering a personal and relatable narrative amidst the larger tragedy. The diary humanizes the victims of the Holocaust and serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Anne Frank's diary became famous after it was published by her father, Otto Frank, in 1947. Translated into numerous languages, the diary resonated with readers worldwide, inspiring empathy, promoting tolerance, and raising awareness about the horrors of the Holocaust. The enduring popularity of Anne's diary led to the establishment of the Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam, which preserves her legacy and educates visitors about the importance of human rights.