The Sachsenhausen Berlin Concentration Camp is one of the reckoning points on the history of Holocaust in the world. This camp was built early on by the Nazis and was located not far from Berlin and as such it was used to set up other camps as well. In this blog post, we will therefore take some more time to discuss general facts about Sachsenhausen and its history, so that you will have a broader understanding about what went on here during the Third Reich:
- Origins and Construction
Unlike other earlier concentration camps, the construction of Sachsenhausen started in 1936 after Heinrich Himmler directed the construction of new concentration camp near Berlin. The selection of the site was good because it was close to both Hitler’s residence and the German capitol.
First, Sachsenhausen was designed for political prisoners, primarily communists, socialist and trade unionists. However, with time the camp was being used for people of different prisoners, the Jewish, Romani people, homosexuals and Jehovah’s witnesses among others.
- Camp Features and Layout
Sachsenhausen had features that the Nazis wanted to make prisoners into objects of fear, with no dignity or freedom. The layout of the camp at least had three concentric circles, which until made it easier for the SS personnel to monitor all the camps by observing them from one central point.
The first place, called “The Appellplatz”, was the holding ground on where prisoners were paraded several times a day. This very square is believed to contain the dreary memories of suffering prisoners who had to withstand cold weather and receive beatings.
The second area located in the central area of this region contained SS offices, hospital and the main camp command area. Here, The Nazis also acted as the overseer of the camp and also performed inhuman experiments on the prisoners.
The third section had the barrack, several kinds of working areas, penalty cells, gas chamber and crematorium. It drew the people that were put through overcrowded and unsanitary prisons, forced labor and starvation.
3. Life in Sachsenhausen
3.1 Prisoner Classification
Upon arrival at Sachsenhausen, prisoners were classified into different categories. Each group had distinct uniforms, marking them and separating them from one another. The categories included political opponents, Jews, homosexuals, and other targeted groups.
3.2 Forced Labor and Experiments
Forced labor was a central feature of Sachsenhausen. Prisoners were subjected to grueling tasks in various workshops, factories, and construction sites. The Nazis exploited their labor to further their war efforts and economic interests.
Additionally, Sachsenhausen was notorious for its medical experiments. Prisoners were subjected to inhumane surgical procedures, testing the limits of human endurance, and often resulting in death or severe disability.
4. Liberation and Memorialization
Sachsenhausen was liberated by Soviet forces on April 22, 1945, with around 3,000 survivors left in the camp. Despite the liberation, many prisoners perished due to the inhumane conditions they endured.
After World War II, Sachsenhausen served as a Soviet Special Camp until 1950, when it was closed down. It then became a memorial site dedicated to the victims, commemorating their suffering and ensuring the memory of the Holocaust lives on.
4.1 Visiting the Sachsenhausen Memorial Site
If you plan to visit the Sachsenhausen Memorial Site, it is important to respect the solemnity of the location and honor the memory of those who suffered and died there. Guided tours are available, providing historical context and personal stories to enhance your understanding.
4.2 Lessons from Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen stands as a reminder of the dangers of intolerance, discrimination, and systemic abuse. It serves as a poignant lesson, urging us to learn from the past and to actively strive for a world that embraces inclusivity, diversity, and respect for human rights.
Conclusion
The Sachsenhausen Berlin Concentration Camp is one of the most gruesome monuments of the Holocaust. It’s function as historical testimony and monument teaches us the price of bigotry, prejudice, and unlimited authority. When people read and recall such fateful pages in history, they can make an attempt to improve, how the world lived, what is important, what people’s value is.
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