The question of the origins of the Holocaust has been studied by scholars using various approaches. These interpretations are outlined by Donald Niewyk in The Holocaust as the long history of European anti-Semitism, the charismatic personality of Adolf Hitler, and the influence of modern “scientific” or eugenic racism. These interpretations are illustrated in the works of John Weiss, Ian Kershaw, and Henry Friedlander. Niewyk uses Weiss to identify the interpretation of ancient anti-Semitism widespread throughout Europe as the origin of the Holocaust. It uses Ian Kershaw's argument that Adolf Hitler's unique leadership was the final catalyst for the Holocaust and employs Henry Friedlander's biological racist ideology to illustrate the main interpretations surrounding the origins of the Holocaust. Although Niewyk has presented these interpretations in depth, his criticisms of Weiss's long history of approach and Friedlander's scientific interpretations are flawed. In reaction to Weiss's argument, he poses the question: "If the Germans had such intense hatred of the Jews, why were no substantial steps taken against them before Hitler came to power in 1933?" Friedlander's argument clashes with the assumption that "only the Jews were singled out by the Nazis for total annihilation and warns against anything that would diminish the dimensions and particular characteristics of the Jewish tragedy." earlier attempts at sterilization legislation in 1923 and the influence of foreign eugenics legislation and restrictions on the Nazi government. It also pays little attention to evidence showing that the Nazi regime also targeted individuals strategically... half of document ......eiss, “Anti-Semitism Through the Ages” Ed. By Donald Niewyk, The Holocaust: Problems in European Civilization (Boston, Massachusetts: Wadsworth, 2011), 12. “Police Decree on the Identification of Jews, September 1, 1941” Ed. By Stackelberg and Winkle. The Nazi Germany Sourcebook: an anthology of texts. (New York: Rutledge, 2002), 154Harry Friedlander, “The Opening Act of Nazi Germany” Ed. By Donald Niewyk, The Holocaust: Problems in European Civilization (Boston, Massachusetts: Wadsworth, 2011), 45. “Minutes of the Wannsee conference, 20 January 1942” ed. By Stackelberg and Winkle. The Nazi Germany Sourcebook: an anthology of texts. (New York: Rutledge, 2002), 345. "Minutes of the Wannsee Conference, January 20, 1942," Ed. by Stackelberg and Winkle. The Nazi Germany Sourcebook: an anthology of texts. (New York: Rutledge, 2002), 348.Niewyk, The Holocaust, 10.