Sachsenhausen was a concentration camp that operates between 1936 and 1945 on the outskirts of Oranienburg, Germany, a few kilometers outside Berlin. It was here at this location that other subsequent concentration camps were modeled after. You can learn more about the horrors of Second World War, by visiting the place, called Sachsenhausen Memorial. This paper aims at discussing the historical background of Sachsenhausen, the role of that place, and the significance of places like that in the future.
The History of Sachsenhausen
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was constructed by SS as exemplary camp: it was planned that other camps would use it as model for treatment of prisoners. They were initially meant for the political prisoners, people like communists, social democrats and trade unionists who were against Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime.
Sachsenhausen evolved over time to accommodate just about all types of prisoners, including Jewish, homosexual, Jehovah’s Witness, and many political prisoners in opposition to the Nazi party. About the suffering that took place in this place it is impossible to mention all the cruelties the prisoners had to endure, such as forced labor and medical experimentation, as well as beatings.
Life in Sachsenhausen
Consequently, Sachsenhausen was intended and developed to bring moral and human degradation to its inmates. All had to stay in overcrowded barracks; there was constant hunger; and many lacked adequate clothing. The camp authorities were severe in their punishments with the prisoners so much so that the prisoners could not escape the giver’s cruelty in any way, shape or form to get even the slightest reward.
Compulse work was one of the key features of confinement at Sachsenhausen. They were used in different capacities , such as working in factories, construction works, and various business types which belonged to the SS. Some lay down their lives through the physical pressure, stress and the inhuman treatment they were put through.
A Tour to the Sachsenhausen Memorial
Now the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum exist to draw the attention of people to the tragical events which took place at this place. It gives an opportunity to remember the victims, to learn lessons, and to think quiet. Now, the guests can walk through the area of the main camp and several branch camps though getting an idea of how the camp was constructed and the inmates’ life was arranged there is just half the result.
Visiting the memorial can be done in a group or having a tourist guide, recorded guides or visiting on a personal.info. The prepared exhibition in the museum provides the general overview of the history of Sachsenhausen with the help of photographs and stories of the survivors.
Preserving the Memory
So much has to be done to save places such as Sachsenhausen in order to briefly describe the historical experience to future generations and make them strive for not repeating it anymore. In this case therefore, the memorial is a symbol of the fight for and the respect of human rights, and a deterrant against further extremism.
Thus, it is always very important to arrive in Sachsenhausen with respect and understanding how the place was like during the war. Please, recall that the site was a theater of extraordinary grief and pain for many thousand people. Participating in the continual learning and remembering process relights the memory and pays tribute to the victims.
Journalistic memory making for the sake of a more hopeful tomorrow.
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