When examining the dark history of the Holocaust and World War II, it’s natural to wonder about the proximity of concentration camps to major cities. Berlin, as the capital of Nazi Germany, played a significant role during this period. In this article, we will explore the closest concentration camps to Berlin, shedding light on this haunting chapter of human history.
To today this place is associated with the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
Sachsenhausen was the nearest concentration camp to Berlin. Sachsenhausen is found in Oranienburg, approximately 22 miles north of Berlin, and was constructed in 1936 before acting as a blueprint of other concentration camps. Originally, it was created for the detention of actual political prisoners and became an extermination camp.
The camp was large and contained many sections and sub sections of the main camp. It had the potential of accommodating up to fifty thousand prisoners within the same period. The primary claims to fame of Sachsenhausen were its brutal medical experiments, killings, and counterfeiting of currencies in order to disrupt enemy states’ economy.
It is found that more than 200000 people were confined in Sachsenhausen during the period of its functioning and thousands were murdered because of hunger and disease, over work, torture and gassing.
‘A Memory of the Nation’
Currently, visitors can visit the site, learn about different aspects of life of prisoners who were incarcerated there and the horrors that people had to go through during the Nazi reign. The site offers a dramatic insight into prisoners’ lives and informs people about those who suffered and died behind bars. That’s why it’s helpful as a reminder about what hate, prejudice, and totalitarianism can lead to.
Today while visiting Sachsenhausen you can see the remaining part of barracks, towers and other buildings within the camp. Visiting exhibitions and guided tours give an understanding of prisoners’ activities, the history of the camp and the people’s stamina.
Historical Preservation and Small Anomaly as a Learning Tool
Concentration camps such as Sachsenhausen are very important in the annulment of the holocaust by denying the events that happened a chance to happen again. They let people pay tribute, study history, raise respect to people and fight again intolerance.
This is perhaps one of the reason why it’s always recommended to prepare psychologically if you have to attend to such a place. I suggest that one watches it with the background information on the events themselves and prepare emotionally for what they are going to see.
Improving Enabling of Reflection and Insight
For those who are unable to do so physically there are different ways through which one can take virtual tour, view photos or get detailed information. They it gives a chance to common people around the world to learn about the holocaust and how it affected people.
That is why such events that took place in the past should be analyzed so that similar activities should not take place in the future. Our role shifts to making sure that people remember the victims and that their pain was not for nothing.
Conclusion
Returning to discussion of the camp nearest to Berlin, Sachsenhausen symbolically serves as a memorial of the holocaust. Located near the capital it remains a grim silent witness of the worst sides of human nature during the one of the worst eras in history.
Through remembrance and exposure, the monuments and structures can be preserved with historical education as guides thus enhancing the creation of a more tolerant society in the world.
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