What were the Concentration Camps in Berlin?
When coming to the study of World War II as well as Nazi Germany’s history, it’s not feasible to forget that he was a part of concentration camps. But what were the concentration camps in Berlin, and how did they figure in this darkest chapters of history?
The Origins of Concentration Camps
Nazi concentration camps were setup in the 1930s by the Nazi regime as holding places for political prisoners and others seen as a threat to the state. Initially, these camps were created for German internment, and then they expanded to cover much of the European territory occupied by Nazi Germany.
Concentration Camps in Berlin
In Berlin, numerous concentration camps were located, each with a specific purpose. Among these greater camps were Sachsenhausen, Ravensbrück, and Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
Not far from Berlin, Sachsenhausen was one of the first concentration camps established by the Nazis. It served as an example for the other camps, and even as the administrative centre for all concentration camps. Sachsenhausen mainly operated as a political camp for Communist Party members and those thought to be against the state.
Ravensbrück Concentration Camp
Situated north of Berlin, originally, Ravensbruck was built for female prisoners. It later grew to accept women from various countries, such as political dissidents, resistance fighters and Jewish women. The conditions in Ravensbrück were especially difficult with inmates being subjected to forced work and medical experiments.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration and Extermination Camp
Even though not situated within Berlin, Auschwitz-Birkenau is infamous war camp with infamous morally reprehensible death camp in the background, and is directly connected to the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. Millions of individuals, mostly Jews, were murdered – systematically – within the Auschwitz complex. It remains incredibly moving testament to the atrocities that occurred in the Holocaust.
Life in the Concentration Camps
Life in the concentration camps were destined to suffer extreme hardship, dehumanization, and the ever present threat of death. Detainees experienced physical and psychological torture, starvation malnutrition, overcrowding, forced labor. Many died from the awful conditions, while some were slaughtered or perished in medical tortures.
Remembering the Victims
The present day, concentration camps serve as bitter reminiscences of atrocities during the Second World War. Memorial sites can be found at the former site of other camps, like Sachsenhausen and Ravensbrück, as a way of paying a tribute to the victims and of making sure their stories are never erased.
Conclusion
Knowing the tale of concentration camps in Berlin allows us to confront the bad aspects of humanity and pay respect to the victims who suffered and perished behind the walls of prison camps. By recalling incidents of our past, we keep up the effort that such atrocities not be repeated in the future.
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