Campo di Concentramento Sachsenhausen, also known as Sachsenhausen concentration camp, was a Nazi concentration camp established in 1936. Located in Oranienburg, Germany, this camp played a significant role during the Holocaust and World War II. In this article, we will explore the purpose, conditions, and historical significance of Sachsenhausen.
1. The Purpose of Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen was built for the purpose to be used as an experimental concentration camp in the beginning. The camp later became the collective concentration center for political prisoners with an emphasis on enemys of the Nazi regime such as communists, socialists, trade unionists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. It grew over the course of time to several sub-camp and served as a forced labor camp.
Conditions at Sachsenhausen
Kapo’s the prisoners in charge of Sachsenhausen subjected the prisoners to very poor living conditions. They were tortured, beaten, starved and forced into labor both inside prisons and detention camps. The camp also took part in medical experimentation that would cause torture, and the deaths of many prisoners. Subsequently, Sachsenhausen was also being used for the purpose of SS executions, there was an SS gallows and an SS firing range.
2. The Importance of Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen was an important part of the terror system of the Third Reich. It set the example for all other concentration camps, by acting as a model in constructing other facilities as well as the regime employed in commanding other camps. It was a grim reminder of Nazi regime barbarity and the dissent was crucified to suppress unhappy voices in Germany.
Liberation and Aftermath
Like other concentration camps it was liberated by allied forces in the year 1945 From the article we can deduce the following informations about the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Thus through the liberation of the camp the world saw what the Nazis had done and justice was sure to be served. Sachsenhausen was again used as a special camp of the SMERSH after the Second World War – for former active members of the NSDAP and other persons. It remained in the use up to the year 1950 for imprisonment hence going beyond the war history.
3. Remembering the Victims
Nowadays, it is a concentration camp turned into a memorial and a museum to recall the terrible events which took place during the Holocoust. Tourists can study the exhibits related to the war, see the buildings having been restored, and honor the people who died in the war. The memorial one more thing representing the place where people can come and remember victims but at the same time, it is an informational center aimed at preventing similar acts in the future.
Historical Significance of Teaching Holocaust
It is highly important to analyze the Sachsenhausen history in order to prevent similar events in the future, increase respect, empathy and cultural rights. Understanding the history of the Holocaust teaches people what will happen when people have ill feelings towards each other. Being graduates, it is essential to understand that holocaust teaching assists in creation of such society that will never experience such a tragedy.
Conclusion
Sachsenhausen concentration camp is a sign of the sufferings of the people that faced cruelty at the hands of Nazi during the Second World War. The camp gives a stand on the fact that through overcoming and fighting for justice, the survivors want people to learn and take action towards a better society. Portraying and glorifying destination like Sachsenhausen become important for paying our respect and working for creating a world where people would not be discriminated anymore.
