Where Was Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp?

Sachsenhausen concentration camp was a Nazi concentration camp located near Oranienburg, Germany. It was established in 1936 and was one of the first camps established by the Nazis. The camp was used to imprison political opponents, Jews, homosexuals, and other “undesirables” of the Third Reich. The camp was liberated by the Soviet Army in 1945.

Sachsenhausen was a major site of Nazi atrocities, where thousands of prisoners were killed or died from mistreatment during World War II. The camp became a symbol of Nazi terror and was a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.

History of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

The Sachsenhausen concentration camp was the first and longest-running camp established by the Nazis. It was located in Oranienburg, a town 40km northeast of Berlin. The camp was opened on July 20th, 1936, as one of the first six Nazi concentration camps.

The camp initially served as an administrative center for other concentration camps. It also served as a prison for prominent political opponents and Jews, as well as homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other “undesirables” of the Third Reich. Between 1936 and 1945, the camp held over 200,000 prisoners from more than 35 countries.

Life in Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Life in Sachsenhausen concentration camp was harsh and brutal. Prisoners were subjected to hard labor, starvation, torture, and medical experiments. They were also subjected to psychological torture such as humiliation and public humiliation. Those who attempted to escape were publicly hanged.

Prisoners lived in overcrowded barracks with little to no sanitation or medical care. Meals consisted of thin soup made from potato peelings or turnips. As a result, many prisoners suffered from starvation and disease.

Liberation of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Sachsenhausen concentration camp was liberated by the Soviet Army on April 22nd, 1945. Approximately 7,000 prisoners were found alive at the time of liberation, but over 60,000 had perished during the course of the war. After the war, the camp was used by the Soviets as a prison for political opponents until 1950.

Legacy of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Today, Sachsenhausen concentration camp is a memorial site open to visitors from around the world. It serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazis and stands as an example of the human capacity for cruelty and suffering.

The memorial site includes a museum, archive, library, and memorial hall with exhibits highlighting the history of the camp and its prisoners. There is also a large memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

Conclusion

Sachsenhausen concentration camp was one of the first Nazi concentration camps established by Adolf Hitler in 1936. The camp was used to imprison political opponents, Jews, homosexuals, and other “undesirables” of the Third Reich. Thousands of prisoners were killed or died from mistreatment during World War II. The camp was liberated by the Soviet Army in 1945 and today it serves as a memorial site open to visitors from around the world. It serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazis and stands as an example of the human capacity for cruelty and suffering.