The Oranienburg Concentration Camp, also known as KZ Sachsenhausen, was one of the first Nazi concentration camps established in Germany. It played a significant role during World War II and left a dark mark on history. In this article, we will explore the origins, conditions, and legacy of this camp.

The Origins of Oranienburg Concentration Camp

Oranienburg concentration camp was created on 12th July 1936 in Oranienburg, a town in northern Berlin, about twelve miles distant. Ghettos formed the first step in Nazi extermination policies where the camp was first used to incarcerate perceived enemies of the state: political dissidents, intellectuals, unionists, and anyone else who may be deemed an threat to the regime.

After the arrival of Heinrich Himmler the SS-Scharführer the camp became the focus of the Nazis ‘systematic persecution and extermination policies’. It’s advantageously located in central area in close proximity to Berlin and facilitated the transportation of prisoners from other camps and was used as training facility for the SS officers.

living conditions at oranienburg

The following were dismal at the Oranienburg Concentration Camp. Detainees were torturing by overcrowding, lack of proper meals, and lack of necessary sanitation. The ‘area’ was subdivided into a quarantine area, a punishment area, and other zones where prisoners were forced to work – essentially, living ‘depot.’

The day to day survival of the prisoners included severe suffering, degradation and these were effected by the SS guards who had no any human compassionate view. However, sometimes people were not given enough clothes, few had been provided medical attention when sick, and many were flogged severely.

Study One: The Use of Animals in Medical Experiments, Study Two: Brutality in Animal Experimentation

The camp in Oranienburg is also interesting as its prisoners were used in experiments carried out by physicians. Some of these practices entailed pushing subjects kits limits and covering them with diseases, exposing them to extreme temperatures, and doing operations on them without the use any form of analgesia.

Not only this, multiple public executions and other forms of killing techniques were carried out in the camp. Officially, Tower A was used for executions and shooting exercises; The gassing chamber was used for the killings.

Legacy and Liberation

As the World War II was going on, Oranienburg Concentration Camp provided important training for the SS officials, who were transferred to other concentration and killing camps of Europe. From this camp, it became a model to other camps and developed a precede for the systematic dehumanization and extermination of millions during the holocaust.

Concentration camp was liberated by the Soviet troops on April 22, 1945, and the brutalizing in that death camp ceased. But the tragedy which happened in Oranienburg Concentration Camp will never be forgotten and each line on the face of history will always remind the people about the fascist, racists and intolerant regime.

Remembering the Victims

All those who perished and all the suffering of the victims of the Oranienburg Concentration Camp should not be forgotten. Thus by understanding this evil history evil we can attempt to avoid such evil actions in the future.

Visit Sachsenhausen Memorial

Today this site is also a part of the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum in Oranienburg Germany. It symbolizes the memory: people get an option to read about the suffering of the camp, pray for the souls of the deceased, and celebrate the life of the survivors.

There are ways to acknowledge the Mennonite past and prevent similar occurrences by informing others about the memorial and different programs which can be done to raise tolerance and understanding in society.

Conclusion

KZ Sachsenhausen or Oranienburg Concentration Camp reflects the terror, suffering, humiliation, and persecution that favorable image in history and culture . Its importance can be in terms of a training ground for the[deleted] SS officers and as a forerunner to the[deleted] Holocaust.

The world should pay respect to the victims and never let such tragedy happen in the future contributing to the world, where people embrace peace and justice.