In Erik Larson's book "In the Garden of Beasts," the event known as Kristallnacht is highlighted as a pivotal moment in history, marking a severe escalation in Nazi anti-Jewish violence in Germany. This pogrom shocked many observers at the time, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who publicly condemned the violence. His reaction underscored the disbelief that such brutality could manifest in modern civilization, revealing the depths of the moral crisis faced by the world during that period.

Kristallnacht, occurring in November 1938, involved widespread attacks on Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. The event served as a stark warning of the increasing severity of Nazi policies against Jews and the looming horrors of the Holocaust. Roosevelt's statements reflect both his personal shock and the broader international response to the devastating human rights violations taking place in Germany.