The Road to World War IIThe Road to World War II

Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler

January 1933: Hitler became January 1933: Hitler became Chancellor of GermanyChancellor of Germany

History• Adolf Hitler was born April 20, 1889 in a small town called Braunau

Am Inn, Austria.

• Young Adolf attended church regularly, sang in the local choir and spent hours playing “cowboys and Indians”. He grew up with a bad name at school and left before completing his high school terms, because he wanted to be an artist.

• During his lifetime, Hitler was very secretive about his background. He never give his father’s real occupation. He said he was a postal official. He didn’t like his relatives to come near him or visit.

•Hitler’s mom died of cancer when he was nineteen. Hitler loved his mother so much. Her Jewish doctor said,” I have never witnessed a closer attachment.” Hitler carried a picture of her down to his last days in the bunker.

How did WWI Influence How did WWI Influence Hitler?Hitler?

He served in German Army:He served in German Army: wounded and received two wounded and received two

Iron Crosses for bravery. Iron Crosses for bravery. His First success in his lifeHis First success in his life

Blamed Germany’s defeat Blamed Germany’s defeat on Jews and Communists.on Jews and Communists.

The Nazi Party’s Rise to Power: The Nazi Party’s Rise to Power: 1928-19331928-1933

1928 - Hitler’s Nazi 1928 - Hitler’s Nazi Party was Party was a small, a small, insignificant party-insignificant party- had little success in had little success in elections elections

By 1933 however By 1933 however Hitler was the Hitler was the chancellor of chancellor of Germany.Germany.

The Nazi’s had The Nazi’s had risen risen from obscurity to from obscurity to power, total powerpower, total power. .

What Did The Nazi What Did The Nazi Stand For in 1920s?Stand For in 1920s?

ABOLISH VERSAILLES

TREATY

DESTROY WEIMAR

REPUBLIC

STRONGCENTRAL

GOVT

DESTROY COMMUNISM

REMOVE JEWS

LEBENSRAUM

GREATER GERMANY

REARM GERMANY

Hitler soon ordered a Hitler soon ordered a programme of rearming programme of rearming

GermanyGermany

Hitler visits a factory and is enthusiastically greeted. Many Germans were grateful for jobs after the misery of he depression years.

What did Hitler offer to the What did Hitler offer to the German people?German people?

•PromisesPromisesNationalists - Restore Germany to Nationalists - Restore Germany to GreatnessGreatnessWealthy IndustrialistWealthy IndustrialistAn end unemployment An end unemployment

•Blamed Others for Germany’s Blamed Others for Germany’s ProblemsProblems

JewsJewsNovember CriminalsNovember CriminalsWeimar RepublicWeimar Republic

•Excellent SpeakerExcellent Speaker

How does Hitler become How does Hitler become Chancellor?Chancellor?

““Brownshirts”– Hitler’s private Brownshirts”– Hitler’s private army army

Used speeches and propaganda to Used speeches and propaganda to gain countrys supportgain countrys support

Nazi Party gains votes in Reichtag Nazi Party gains votes in Reichtag (German Legislature):(German Legislature): 1930 = 18% of vote1930 = 18% of vote 1932 = 37% of vote1932 = 37% of vote

Hitler appointed Chancellor Hitler appointed Chancellor (Prime Minister) in 1933 (Prime Minister) in 1933

What actions did Hitler What actions did Hitler take The Leader?take The Leader?

Rebuilt Army & Opened Weapons Rebuilt Army & Opened Weapons FactoriesFactories Stopped reparations paymentsStopped reparations payments

Economy improvedEconomy improved New Jobs - military sectorNew Jobs - military sector Decreased unemploymentDecreased unemployment

Began planning for expansion of Began planning for expansion of the Third Reichthe Third Reich

• Adolf Hitler, murderer of millions, or known as master of destruction and organized insanity. Hitler was seized by an obsession with the Jews all his life. The Nazi Führer had always been straightforward about his plans - his dream of a racially "pure" empire would tolerate no Jews. He announced at many occasions the "annihilation of the Jews" living in the territory under his control.

Hitler’s Destruction of Jews

• In Hitler's mind, murdering millions of Jews could only be accomplished under the confusion of war, from the beginning he was planning a war.• The European Jews were the primary victims of Adolf Hitler. In 1933 nine million Jews lived in the 21 countries of Europe that would be occupied by Germany during the war. By 1945 two out of every three European Jews had been killed.

What was the Jewish Problem?What was the Jewish Problem? Hitler’s belief that Aryan German’s were the Hitler’s belief that Aryan German’s were the

“Master Race” – blond hair, blue eyes.“Master Race” – blond hair, blue eyes. Blamed Germany’s problems on the JewishBlamed Germany’s problems on the Jewish Racism and propaganda used to create distrust Racism and propaganda used to create distrust

and hatred against Jews and non-Aryans.and hatred against Jews and non-Aryans.

PROGRESSION OF DISCRIMINATION PROGRESSION OF DISCRIMINATION TOWARDS JEWSTOWARDS JEWS

The NAZI party and Adolf Hitler The NAZI party and Adolf Hitler seized power in 1933. they slowly seized power in 1933. they slowly began their program against the began their program against the Jews of GermanyJews of Germany

In 1933 there were 566,000 Jews In 1933 there were 566,000 Jews living in Germany.living in Germany.

Each new year in Germany led to Each new year in Germany led to harsher policies directed towards harsher policies directed towards the Jews.the Jews.

Stripping of RightsStripping of RightsNuremberg Laws (1935) Nuremberg Laws (1935)

stated that all German JEWS were : stated that all German JEWS were : stripped of German citizenship stripped of German citizenship fired from jobs & businesses fired from jobs & businesses

boycottedboycotted bannedbanned from schools & universities from schools & universities marriages between Jews and Aryans marriages between Jews and Aryans

forbiddenforbidden forced to carry forced to carry ID cards ID cards Passports stamped with a “J”Passports stamped with a “J” forced to wear the arm band of the forced to wear the arm band of the

Yellow “Yellow “Star of DavidStar of David”” Jewish synagogues destroyedJewish synagogues destroyed forced to pay reparations and a forced to pay reparations and a

special income taxspecial income tax

Boycott of Jewish Boycott of Jewish BusinessesBusinesses

1933 - Germany1933 - Germany

Sets up idea that Jews Sets up idea that Jews are not Germans are not Germans and isolates themand isolates them

SA pickets, wearing boycott signs, block the entrance to a Jewish-owned shop. The signs read: "Germans, defend yourselves against the Jewish atrocity propaganda, buy only at German shops!" and "Germans, defend yourselves, buy only at German shops!"

German troops marched into the German troops marched into the RhinelandRhineland

The Rhineland was a region of Germany that was ‘demilitarised’ after the Treaty of Versailles. Germany was not allowed to have troops in the region.

Hitler’s actions showed how he was willing to directly challenge the treaty.

SS Deathshead division is created to guard SS Deathshead division is created to guard campscampsHeinreich Himmler is appointed Chief of the Heinreich Himmler is appointed Chief of the German PoliceGerman PoliceOlympic games in Berlin, Jews treated better Olympic games in Berlin, Jews treated better for two daysfor two days

19371937 Jews are not allowed to teach GermansJews are not allowed to teach Germans not allowed to be accountants or dentistsnot allowed to be accountants or dentists ““Eternal Jew” exhibit opened in GermanyEternal Jew” exhibit opened in Germany this promoted stereo-types of Jews and warned this promoted stereo-types of Jews and warned

GermansGermans

19381938 League of Nations considers helping Jews League of Nations considers helping Jews

fleeing Hitler, but no country will take themfleeing Hitler, but no country will take them Jews are not allowed to practice medicineJews are not allowed to practice medicine

March 1938: Nazi March 1938: Nazi Germany annexed AustriaGermany annexed Austria

Again, this went against the terms of the Treaty of Versailles which banned Germany from uniting with Austria.

However, the arrival of German troops was met with great enthusiasm by many Austrian people.

• on the “Night of Broken Glass” Jewish shops and synagogues are damaged, destroyed and looted• 26,000 Jews are arrested, 91 die• further economic and political persecution of Jews would follow• it marks the ominous beginning of the Holocaust

Kristallnacht Night of Broken GlassNight of Broken Glass--

November 9-10, 1938.November 9-10, 1938.

Did you know?Did you know? KristallnachtKristallnacht was not was not

just staged without just staged without planning, but planning, but served a served a specific purposespecific purpose in in Nazi policy toward the Nazi policy toward the Jews. The SA was Jews. The SA was under strict orders to under strict orders to confiscate any confiscate any firearms owned by firearms owned by JewsJews when ransacking when ransacking Jewish homes and Jewish homes and businesses. This would businesses. This would prevent any significant prevent any significant armed resistance to armed resistance to Nazi policies in the Nazi policies in the future.future.

This picture is typical of the smashed windows of Jewish businesses on Kristallnacht.

November 1938. Jews arrested during Kristallnacht line up for roll call at the Buchenwald concentration camp

In response to the events of Kristallnacht the Jews were In response to the events of Kristallnacht the Jews were fined 25 million marks to repair the property damaged fined 25 million marks to repair the property damaged during the night and an additional 1 billion marksduring the night and an additional 1 billion marks

This succeeded in removing a significant amount of the This succeeded in removing a significant amount of the wealth that the German Jews had managed to hold on to wealth that the German Jews had managed to hold on to through the rising prejudice against themthrough the rising prejudice against them

Other countries were aware of these policies, however did Other countries were aware of these policies, however did not wish to interfere as that was considered inappropriate not wish to interfere as that was considered inappropriate involvement in the operation of another nation involvement in the operation of another nation

The Jews of Germany began to flee if they could by every The Jews of Germany began to flee if they could by every means available, however this was hampered by the means available, however this was hampered by the German annexation of Czechoslovakia , Austria and Poland German annexation of Czechoslovakia , Austria and Poland which meant that many of the Jews that escaped the which meant that many of the Jews that escaped the Germans following the Nuremberg laws and Kristallnacht Germans following the Nuremberg laws and Kristallnacht soon found themselves again under Nazi controlsoon found themselves again under Nazi control

The German reaction to The German reaction to KristallnachtKristallnacht

March 1939: Germany March 1939: Germany invaded Czechoslovakiainvaded Czechoslovakia

Hitler had ordered the occupation of a part of Czechoslovakia known as the Sudetenland (in October 1938). Many hoped that that this would be the last conquest of the Nazis.

However, in March 1939, he ordered his troops to take over the remainder of Czechoslovakia. This was the first aggressive step that suggested that a war in Europe would soon begin.

Hitler and Stalin (the Russian leader) signed a ‘non-aggression pact’.

They promised that neither country would attack the other in the event of war.

As part of the deal, Hitler promised Stalin part of Poland, which he planned to invade soon.

August 1939: Germany and Russia signed a non-aggression pact

This photo shows the Russian foreign minister signing the pact, whilst Stalin stands smiling in the background

The non-aggression pact was surprising. Hitler and Stalin were seen as The non-aggression pact was surprising. Hitler and Stalin were seen as natural enemies. natural enemies.

When Hitler talked of taking over new land for Germany, many thought When Hitler talked of taking over new land for Germany, many thought that he meant Russia. that he meant Russia.

Hitler also hated Communism, the form of government in RussiaHitler also hated Communism, the form of government in Russia

HitlerStalin

But, the pact But, the pact allowed Germany allowed Germany to march into to march into Poland without Poland without fear of an attack fear of an attack from Russia. from Russia.

On 3On 3rdrd September September 1939, Germany 1939, Germany invaded Poland invaded Poland and started a War and started a War with Britain and with Britain and France.France.

September 1939: Germany invaded Poland

German troops marching into Warsaw, the capital of Poland.

May 1940: Germany turned May 1940: Germany turned west and invaded France and west and invaded France and

the Netherlandsthe NetherlandsIn May 1940, In May 1940, Germany used Germany used Blitzkrieg tactics to Blitzkrieg tactics to attack France and attack France and the Netherlands.the Netherlands.

British troops were British troops were forced to retreat forced to retreat from the beaches of from the beaches of Dunkirk in northern Dunkirk in northern France.France.

Captured British troops, May 1940

By June 1940, France had By June 1940, France had surrendered to the Germanssurrendered to the Germans

Britain now stood Britain now stood alone as the last alone as the last remaining enemy remaining enemy of Hitler’s of Hitler’s Germany in Germany in Western Europe.Western Europe.

Adolf Hitler tours Paris after his successful invasion.

September 1940-May September 1940-May 1941: the Blitz1941: the Blitz

For the following nine months, the For the following nine months, the German air force (Luftwaffe) German air force (Luftwaffe) launched repeated bombing raids launched repeated bombing raids on British towns and cities. This on British towns and cities. This was known as the BLITZ and was was known as the BLITZ and was an attempt to bomb Britain into an attempt to bomb Britain into submission.submission.

Operation Barbarossa, June Operation Barbarossa, June 19411941

But in May, 1941, Hitler ordered a change of tactics. He But in May, 1941, Hitler ordered a change of tactics. He decided to halt the bombing of Britain and launch an decided to halt the bombing of Britain and launch an attack against Russia. He betrayed Stalin and ignored attack against Russia. He betrayed Stalin and ignored the promises he had made.the promises he had made.

This was a bold move that would prove to be an This was a bold move that would prove to be an important turning point in the War.important turning point in the War.

19401940 German Jews are deported to PolandGerman Jews are deported to Poland Total of 600,000 JewsTotal of 600,000 Jews

19411941 Nazis invade the Soviet UnionNazis invade the Soviet Union Jewish population of 3 millionJewish population of 3 million Hitler issues infamous “Commissar Order”Hitler issues infamous “Commissar Order” SS Einsatzgruppen follow advance of German SS Einsatzgruppen follow advance of German

ArmyArmy

The GhettosThe Ghettos First used in Poland when First used in Poland when

Nazi’s invaded in 1939Nazi’s invaded in 1939 Areas where Jews were Areas where Jews were

forced to live in certain forced to live in certain cities. Comparable to cities. Comparable to prisonsprisons Everyone was put to Everyone was put to

work for the Naziswork for the Nazis Many people died from Many people died from

the labor, conditions, the labor, conditions, and disease. and disease.

356 ghettos in Poland, 356 ghettos in Poland, the Soviet Union, the the Soviet Union, the Baltic States, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Hungary were and Hungary were established by the Nazi’s established by the Nazi’s between the years 1935 between the years 1935 and 1940.and 1940.

Warsaw, the largest ghetto, Warsaw, the largest ghetto, existed of about half a million existed of about half a million people, and Lódz, the second people, and Lódz, the second largest ghetto, had 160,000 largest ghetto, had 160,000 people.people.

On the other hand, the On the other hand, the smallest ghetto only held smallest ghetto only held 3,000 hostages.3,000 hostages.

The Nazi’s Point of ViewThe Nazi’s Point of View The Nazi’s considered the The Nazi’s considered the

Jews to be natural carriers Jews to be natural carriers of all diseases, especially of all diseases, especially Typhus.Typhus.

These excuses gave them These excuses gave them the right to move the Jews the right to move the Jews away from the Polish away from the Polish population and into Jewish population and into Jewish neighborhoods.neighborhoods.

The Jews were thankful The Jews were thankful that they were going to be that they were going to be safe.safe.

Little did they know they Little did they know they were headed to an were headed to an experience of a life time. experience of a life time.

Through all this torture Through all this torture there was still room for a there was still room for a smilesmile……

Most of the larger cities closed the Most of the larger cities closed the ghettos in with either stone or ghettos in with either stone or brick wall, wooden fences, or even brick wall, wooden fences, or even barbed wire.barbed wire.

For once the victims stepped into For once the victims stepped into the ghetto or death camp, there the ghetto or death camp, there was no leaving. Otherwise if was no leaving. Otherwise if someone tried to escape there was someone tried to escape there was a death penalty.a death penalty.

The Warsaw ghetto had a wall ten The Warsaw ghetto had a wall ten feet high topped with barbed wire feet high topped with barbed wire at the top.at the top.

Warsaw Ghetto Warsaw Ghetto FactsFacts

The Warsaw ghetto was the largest ghetto with about The Warsaw ghetto was the largest ghetto with about half a million people held there. half a million people held there.

Warsaw was established on October 2, 1940. Warsaw was established on October 2, 1940. Jews were forced to work in a metal shop under Jews were forced to work in a metal shop under

terrible conditions along with other tiring jobs.terrible conditions along with other tiring jobs. Only 300 calories of food were offered daily by carrying Only 300 calories of food were offered daily by carrying

your ration card. (see next slide)your ration card. (see next slide) The food and water was unsanitary.The food and water was unsanitary. While overcrowding, rampant diseases, and starvation While overcrowding, rampant diseases, and starvation

were also many troubles.were also many troubles. To help families with money, children were found To help families with money, children were found

selling books on the streets. selling books on the streets. Only 113,000 poles were evacuated from this area in Only 113,000 poles were evacuated from this area in

order to create The Warsaw Ghetto.order to create The Warsaw Ghetto.

WARSAW GHETTO

Located in impoverished part Located in impoverished part of the city.of the city.

Dilapidated housing with no Dilapidated housing with no electricity or water.electricity or water.

30% of the population 30% of the population squeezed in 2.4% of the squeezed in 2.4% of the city’s area.city’s area.

Population density: 9.2 Population density: 9.2 people per room.people per room.

128,000 people per square 128,000 people per square kilometer.kilometer.

Warsaw and Lodz housed Warsaw and Lodz housed 1/3 of the Polish Jews 1/3 of the Polish Jews under Nazi control.under Nazi control.

Lack of food a major Lack of food a major problem.problem.

Malnutrition and disease Malnutrition and disease rampant.rampant.

“The situation in the Jewish quarter is catastrophic. The corpses of those who have died of starvation lie in the streets. The death rate, 80% from malnutrition, has tripled since February. The only thing that is issued to the Jews is 1.5 lbs of bread per week…” Oberfeldkommandant, May 1941

A tram at the A tram at the

entrance to the entrance to the Warsaw Ghetto Warsaw Ghetto

Why did the Nazis Why did the Nazis create ghettoes? create ghettoes? To thwart the To thwart the

black market…black market… To thwart Jewish To thwart Jewish

“subversion”…“subversion”… To stop the To stop the

spread of diseas.spread of diseas.

A German A German guard guard checking checking Jews’ papersJews’ papers

The Warsaw UprisingThe Warsaw Uprising

On April 19, the On April 19, the first night of first night of Passover, Nazi Passover, Nazi soldiers arrived in soldiers arrived in the ghetto to the ghetto to deport more Jews.deport more Jews.

They were greeted They were greeted with pistol shots with pistol shots and hand and hand grenades.grenades.

A man carries away the bodies of dead Jews in the Ghetto of Warsaw

in 1943, where people died of hunger in the streets.

What tactics did the Nazis What tactics did the Nazis use to get the Jews to leave use to get the Jews to leave

the Ghettosthe Ghettos??

Tactics

Starvation

The Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto were

only fed a 1000 calories a day .

A Human being needs 2400 calories a day to maintain their weight

Terror

The SS publicly shot people for smuggling food or for

any act of resistance

Deception

The Jews were told that they were going

to ‘resettlement areas’ in the East.

In some Ghettos the Jews had to purchase their

own train tickets.

They were told to bring the tools of their

trade and pots and pans.

Hungry people are easier to control

New arrivals at the Death camps were given postcards to

send to their friends.

FINAL SOLUTIONFINAL SOLUTIONFinal Solution- the deliberate Final Solution- the deliberate

and systematic killing of an and systematic killing of an entire populationentire population

Phase 1 = ShootingPhase 1 = Shooting Jews were rounded Jews were rounded

up and told they up and told they were to be were to be relocatedrelocated

They were taken to They were taken to the woods and were the woods and were shot one by oneshot one by one

their bodies were their bodies were buried in mass buried in mass gravesgraves

Phase 2 = Gas VansPhase 2 = Gas Vans

Again, Jews were Again, Jews were rounded up and rounded up and told they were to told they were to be relocated in be relocated in vansvans

The vans were The vans were equipped so that equipped so that the van’s exhaust the van’s exhaust was piped back was piped back into the vaninto the van

700,000 Jews killed in Vans

Phase 3 = The CampsPhase 3 = The Camps Nazi leaders decided to drastically Nazi leaders decided to drastically

speed up the Final Solutionspeed up the Final Solution there were two different types of there were two different types of

camps:camps: CONCENTRATION CAMPSCONCENTRATION CAMPS EXTERMINATION CAMPSEXTERMINATION CAMPS Jews from all over occupied Europe Jews from all over occupied Europe

were to be brought here.were to be brought here.

What is Hitler’s Master What is Hitler’s Master RaceRace

Aryan or master Aryan or master Race, Blonde Hair, Race, Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes, this Blue Eyes, this race is superior race is superior and must be and must be preserved. All preserved. All other races were other races were deemed inferior.deemed inferior.

Why did the Germans Why did the Germans persecute these groups: Jewspersecute these groups: Jews

Hitler needed a to Hitler needed a to blame problems in blame problems in Europe on Europe on somebody. So he somebody. So he chose the Jews-chose the Jews-

Anti SemitismAnti Semitism- - (hatred of the (hatred of the Jews)-had existed Jews)-had existed in Europe for some in Europe for some time-Hitler blamed time-Hitler blamed Jews for failures.Jews for failures.

Wannsee ConferenceWannsee Conference

How was the Final Solution going to

be organized?

Shooting was too inefficient as the bullets were needed for the war

effort

Jews were to be rounded up and put into transit camps called Ghettoes

The Jews living in these Ghettos were to

be used as a cheap source of labor.

Conditions in the Ghettos were designed to be so bad that many

die whilst the rest would be willing to leave these areas in the

hope of better conditions

On arrival the Jews would go through a

process called ‘selection.’

The remaining Jews were to be

shipped to ‘resettlement areas’ in the

East.

Women, children, the old & the sick were to

be sent for ‘special treatment.’

The young and fit would go through a process called

‘destruction through work.’

How did the Nazi decide How did the Nazi decide who was Jewish?who was Jewish?

At the Wannsee conference At the Wannsee conference it was decided that if one of it was decided that if one of person’s parents was Jewish, person’s parents was Jewish, then they were Jewish.then they were Jewish.

However, if only one of their However, if only one of their grandparents had been grandparents had been Jewish then they could be Jewish then they could be classified as being German.classified as being German.

In 1940, all Jews had to have In 1940, all Jews had to have their passports stamped with their passports stamped with the letter ‘J’ and had to wear the letter ‘J’ and had to wear the yellow Star of David on the yellow Star of David on their jacket or coat.their jacket or coat.

Why did Germans persecute these Why did Germans persecute these groups: Gypsies,Freemasons, groups: Gypsies,Freemasons,

Jehovah’s Witness & Jehovah’s Witness & HomosexualsHomosexuals

Why did Germans persecute these Why did Germans persecute these groups: Mentally Deficient/ill & Physically groups: Mentally Deficient/ill & Physically disabled?disabled?

CONCENTRATIONCONCENTRATION 100 of these in Nazi-occupied 100 of these in Nazi-occupied

EuropeEurope prisoners used for forced laborprisoners used for forced labor communists, homosexuals, criminals, communists, homosexuals, criminals,

social-democrats, hande capt and the social-democrats, hande capt and the elerdly.elerdly.

prisoners usually lasted less than 1/2 prisoners usually lasted less than 1/2 year. Befor there deamded un fit to year. Befor there deamded un fit to work and are kiledwork and are kiled

First camp was opened in 1933, right First camp was opened in 1933, right after Nazis came to powerafter Nazis came to power

What happened to new What happened to new arrivals?arrivals?

Deception & Selection

At Auschwitz the trains pulled into a mock up of a normal station.

The Jews were helped off the cattle trucks by Jews who

were specially selected to help the

Nazis

At some death camps the Nazis would play records of classical music to help calm

down the new arrivals.

At Auschwitz the new arrivals were calmed

down by a Jewish orchestra playing classical music.

All new arrivals went through a process

known as ‘selection.’

Mothers, children, the old & sick were sent

straight to the ‘showers’ which were

really the gas chambers. Descised as

showers.

The able bodied were sent to work camp

were they were killed through a process

known as ‘destruction through work.’

What Were the Conditions Like?What Were the Conditions Like?

• As the German economy began to experience labor As the German economy began to experience labor shortages, the Nazis started exploiting these slave laborers shortages, the Nazis started exploiting these slave laborers for the production of goods like iron or coalfor the production of goods like iron or coal

• skilled people could get jobs based on there skillsskilled people could get jobs based on there skills• Nearly all of the work was manual and labor intensiveNearly all of the work was manual and labor intensive• Hours were long, usually 12 or moreHours were long, usually 12 or more• Workers weren't adequately fed and had little to no tools or Workers weren't adequately fed and had little to no tools or

protective equipment/clothesprotective equipment/clothes• Jobs were hazardous and dangerous (accidents, dust Jobs were hazardous and dangerous (accidents, dust

inhalation, ect.)inhalation, ect.)• Generally, inmates preferred factory jobs over Generally, inmates preferred factory jobs over

building/digging jobsbuilding/digging jobs• ""A daily ration was: a piece of black bread, about as thick A daily ration was: a piece of black bread, about as thick

as your thumb; some margarine about the size of three as your thumb; some margarine about the size of three sticks of chewing gum; and a small cup of something that sticks of chewing gum; and a small cup of something that was supposed to be soup".was supposed to be soup".

• In the beginning, most of the work done in labor camps was pointless.

Prisoners arriving at the camps…

If you were chosen for work, If you were chosen for work, you were forced through a you were forced through a humiliating process. All humiliating process. All clothing and personal clothing and personal belongings were taken from the belongings were taken from the prisoners, and their hair was prisoners, and their hair was shaved off. They were given a shaved off. They were given a striped uniform and a pair or striped uniform and a pair or shoes that were most likely the shoes that were most likely the wrong size. When the prisoners wrong size. When the prisoners were registered, they were were registered, they were given a number, which was given a number, which was tattooed on their arm. tattooed on their arm. Auschwitz was the only camp to Auschwitz was the only camp to use this method of use this method of identification. They began identification. They began tattooing the number onto the tattooing the number onto the left forearm in 1943. left forearm in 1943.

Each morning Each morning prisoners had to prisoners had to stand for roll call stand for roll call (Appell.) They could (Appell.) They could stand for hours in stand for hours in extreme heat or cold, extreme heat or cold, if someone was if someone was missing. They had to missing. They had to stand for roll call stand for roll call again in the evening, again in the evening, after returning from after returning from work. work.

After roll call, After roll call, prisoners were put to prisoners were put to work. Usually it was work. Usually it was hard labor that took hard labor that took place outside in harsh place outside in harsh conditions. Some conditions. Some prisoners did work prisoners did work inside factories, inside factories, though the work was though the work was still difficult. While still difficult. While working, Nazi guards working, Nazi guards kept a close eye on the kept a close eye on the prisoners. prisoners.

Prisoners work on a hospital for the SS.

Life in a Concentration Life in a Concentration CampCamp

A prisoner in Dachau is A prisoner in Dachau is forced to stand without forced to stand without moving for endless hours moving for endless hours as a punishment. He is as a punishment. He is wearing a triangle patch wearing a triangle patch identification on his chest. identification on his chest.

A chart of prisoner triangle A chart of prisoner triangle identification markings identification markings used in Nazi concentration used in Nazi concentration camps which allowed the camps which allowed the guards to easily see which guards to easily see which type of prisoner any type of prisoner any individual was. individual was.

Destruction Through Destruction Through WorkWork This photo was

taken by the Nazis to show just how you could quite

literally work the fat of the Jews by feeding them 200

calories a day

Same group of Jews 6 weeks

later

What did they do with babys?What did they do with babys?

They were killed upon arrival. They were killed upon arrival. 

When they arrived with their mothers at the camps, they When they arrived with their mothers at the camps, they were gassed with their mothers. Before the death camps were gassed with their mothers. Before the death camps got gas chambers, they were shot with their mothers. got gas chambers, they were shot with their mothers. 

Sometimes the ss would grab them by there leg and rip Sometimes the ss would grab them by there leg and rip them in half then throw then on the fire.them in half then throw then on the fire.

Other times they were thrown alive Other times they were thrown alive

onto the fire.onto the fire. Children born Children born inin the camp  the camp werewere  

generally generally killedkilled on the spot with the  on the spot with the

mother. mother.

The innocent children….

When the Killing StartedWhen the Killing Started The genocide (killing) of the Jews did not officially start until after the The genocide (killing) of the Jews did not officially start until after the WannseeWannsee

Conference Conference, where the plans for the "Final Solution of the Jewish Question" , where the plans for the "Final Solution of the Jewish Question" were decided. The meeting was led by Reinhard von Heydrich.were decided. The meeting was led by Reinhard von Heydrich.

The The Wannee ConferenceWannee Conference: On January, 20, 1942, Reinhard Heydrich, Himmler's : On January, 20, 1942, Reinhard Heydrich, Himmler's second in command of the SS, began the Wannsee Conference in Berlin with 15 second in command of the SS, began the Wannsee Conference in Berlin with 15 top Nazi bureaucrats to organize the Final Solution in which the Nazis would top Nazi bureaucrats to organize the Final Solution in which the Nazis would attempt to exterminate the entire Jewish population of Europe, an estimated 11 attempt to exterminate the entire Jewish population of Europe, an estimated 11 million persons. million persons.

The exact date of Hitler's order to exterminate the Jews is unknown, but on July The exact date of Hitler's order to exterminate the Jews is unknown, but on July 31, 1941, the order was given to begin the process.31, 1941, the order was given to begin the process.

Train to the Death CampsTrain to the Death Camps

What were death camps?Death camps were constructed with only one purpose: to mass murder Jews and other “unwanted” people .

Death camps worked effectively and efficiently at minimal physical and psychological cost to the Germans -it could kill tens of thousands of prisoners each month

“Another possible solution to the [Jewish] question has now taken the place of emigration, i.e., evacuation to the east.…Practical experience is already being collected which is of the greatest importance in the relation to the future final solution of the Jewish question.” (Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: "Holocaust")[All understood “evacuation to the east” meant deportation to killing centers]

Three types of Death CampsThree types of Death Camps Aktion Reinhardt extermination campsAktion Reinhardt extermination camps: Treblinka, : Treblinka,

Sobibor, Belzec, where prisoners were promptly killed Sobibor, Belzec, where prisoners were promptly killed upon arrival. Initially, the camps used carbon upon arrival. Initially, the camps used carbon monoxide gas chambers; at first, the corpses were monoxide gas chambers; at first, the corpses were buried, but then incinerated atop pyres. Later, gas buried, but then incinerated atop pyres. Later, gas chambers and crematoria were built in Treblinka and chambers and crematoria were built in Treblinka and Belzec; Zyklon-B was used in Belzec. Belzec; Zyklon-B was used in Belzec.

Concentration–extermination campsConcentration–extermination camps where some where some prisoners were selected for slave labor, instead of prisoners were selected for slave labor, instead of immediate death; they were kept alive as camp immediate death; they were kept alive as camp inmates, available to work wherever the Nazis inmates, available to work wherever the Nazis required. These camps — including Auschwitz, required. These camps — including Auschwitz, Majdanek, and Jasenovac — later were retrofitted with Majdanek, and Jasenovac — later were retrofitted with Zyklon-B gas chambers and crematoria, remaining Zyklon-B gas chambers and crematoria, remaining operational until war's end in 1945.operational until war's end in 1945.

Minor extermination campsMinor extermination camps such as Sajmiste in such as Sajmiste in Serbia, Maly Trostenets in the USSR, Janowska, in Serbia, Maly Trostenets in the USSR, Janowska, in Poland, and Gornija Rijeka, initially operated as Poland, and Gornija Rijeka, initially operated as prisons and transit camps, then as extermination prisons and transit camps, then as extermination camps late in the war, using portable gas-chambers camps late in the war, using portable gas-chambers and gas vans.and gas vans.

What were the killing methods in death camps?

Gas Chambers

Gas Trucks

Crematoriums

Mass Killings

StarvationStarvation

ExecutionsExecutions

Inhuman living conditionsInhuman living conditions

Disease and epidemicDisease and epidemic

TortureTorture

GAS USED TO KILL the VERMIN.

Death SquadsDeath Squads Open, public killings of JewsOpen, public killings of Jews Mainly occurred once Germany invaded the USSR. Mainly occurred once Germany invaded the USSR. Coordinated between SS (German Secret Police) and the local Coordinated between SS (German Secret Police) and the local

populationspopulations Estimated at least 2.2 million people were killed this wayEstimated at least 2.2 million people were killed this way

Gas Chambers

The Jews were herded into the gas chambers, then the camp personnel closed the doors, and either exhaust gas or poison gas in the form of Zyklon A or B was led into the gas chamber.

Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest killing center and an estimated 1 to 2 million were killed. 

The first gassing experiments involved 250 Polish and 600 Soviet POWs and they started as early as September 1941.

Majdenak began the gassings in October 1942 and functioned the same way as Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Here is what the Here is what the inside of a gas inside of a gas chamber looks chamber looks like where they like where they killed Jews in killed Jews in

mass numbersmass numbers

Crematoriums

Dead bodies waiting to be Dead bodies waiting to be processedprocessed

Processing the bodiesProcessing the bodies Specially selected Jews Specially selected Jews

known as the known as the sonderkommando were sonderkommando were used to to remove the used to to remove the gold fillings and hair of gold fillings and hair of people who had been people who had been gassed.gassed.

The Sonderkommando The Sonderkommando Jews were also forced Jews were also forced to feed the dead bodies to feed the dead bodies into the crematorium.into the crematorium.

Survivors in Mauthausen open one of the Survivors in Mauthausen open one of the crematoria ovens for American troops crematoria ovens for American troops

who are inspecting the camp.who are inspecting the camp.

Mass KillingsGermans killed a huge number of people at the same time by shooting at them. Mass killings were quite often throughout Holocaust.

1.5 million Jews were shot in the most brutal way by Nazis.

In Majdanek, on November 3, 1943 and November 4, between 17,000 and 18,000 Jews were killed in one day as part of a mass shooting. This was known as "harvest feast“

Jews were forced to dig their own graves and they would eventually be shot to fall into their grave.

First you removed your valuablesFirst you removed your valuables

Then you removed your shoes and clothes

Then they removed your hairThen they removed your hair

FinallyFinally Prisoners were sent to gas Prisoners were sent to gas

chambers disguised as chambers disguised as showersshowers

Zyklon B gas used to gas Zyklon B gas used to gas people in 3 – 15 minutespeople in 3 – 15 minutes

Up to 8,000 people were Up to 8,000 people were gassed per day at Auschwitz-gassed per day at Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest death Birkenau, the largest death camp with 4 operating gas camp with 4 operating gas chamberschambers

Gold fillings from victims Gold fillings from victims teeth were melted down to teeth were melted down to make gold barsmake gold bars

Prisoners moved dead bodies Prisoners moved dead bodies to massive crematoriums to massive crematoriums

6 Extermination Camps6 Extermination Camps

Auschwitz-BirkenauAuschwitz-Birkenau

BelzicBelzic

Electrified Electrified Barbed Wire Barbed Wire

FenceFence

TreblinkaTreblinka

MajdanekMajdanek

Chelmno

Chelmno

Sobibor

Sobibor

AUSCHWITZAUSCHWITZ

AuschwitzAuschwitz

WORK WILL SET YOU FREE

Started its mass killings operations in January 1940 and Started its mass killings operations in January 1940 and continued until 1943. 2 million Jews were killed a continued until 1943. 2 million Jews were killed a Auschwitz back in it’s day.Auschwitz back in it’s day.

The Auschwitz concentration camp complex consisted of The Auschwitz concentration camp complex consisted of three main camps, all of which where designed to kill three main camps, all of which where designed to kill mass amounts of Jews at once...mass amounts of Jews at once...

The SS authorities established three main camps: The SS authorities established three main camps: Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II (also called Auschwitz-Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II (also called Auschwitz-Birkenau) and Auschwitz III (also called Auschwitz-Birkenau) and Auschwitz III (also called Auschwitz-Monowitz) in October 1942Monowitz) in October 1942

.. In November 1943, the SS decreed that Auschwitz-In November 1943, the SS decreed that Auschwitz-

Birkenau and Auschwitz-Monowitz would become Birkenau and Auschwitz-Monowitz would become independent concentration camps. independent concentration camps.

In November 1944, Auschwitz II was reunified with In November 1944, Auschwitz II was reunified with Auschwitz I.Auschwitz I.

had 4 gas chambers/crematories by 1943 had 4 gas chambers/crematories by 1943 mass killings with Zyklon B gasmass killings with Zyklon B gas recorded 12,000 kills in one dayrecorded 12,000 kills in one day

Auschwitz I had a gas chamber crematorium. SS engineers constructed an improvised gas chamber in the basement of the prison Block 11. Later a three larger, permanent gas chamber was constructed as part of the original crematorium in a separate building outside the prisoner compound.At Auschwitz I, SS physicians carried out medical experiments in the hospital, Barrack (Block) 10. The physicians was SS Captain Dr. Josef Mengele.Between the crematorium and the medical-experiments barrack stood the "Black Wall," where SS guards executed thousands of prisoners.

Nazi Medical Nazi Medical ExperimentsExperiments

The Nazi doctors were infamous for The Nazi doctors were infamous for performing cruel medical experiments on performing cruel medical experiments on innocent people in the name of science, innocent people in the name of science, when in fact many of these experiments when in fact many of these experiments were not beneficial to the medical field at were not beneficial to the medical field at all. Many twisted the Hippocratic Oath to all. Many twisted the Hippocratic Oath to make it seem like what they were doing was make it seem like what they were doing was not immoral. However, some of these not immoral. However, some of these experiments did lead to new medical experiments did lead to new medical discoveries. But did these discoveries justify discoveries. But did these discoveries justify the horrible treatment of innocent people?the horrible treatment of innocent people?

•Josef was born in the Bavarian village in Gunzburg Germany.•Josef’s father, Karl, ran a plant that made and manufactured farming equipment.•Josef’s mother Walburga, had a terrible temper and was prone to physically disciplining her three sons and even the workers in her husband’s factory.•Walburga had complete control over the household and ruled it with an iron fist•Had two brothers, Karl and Alois.Had two brothers, Karl and Alois.•Josef was the eldest of the three.Josef was the eldest of the three.•In 1926 he was diagnosed with osteomyelitis.In 1926 he was diagnosed with osteomyelitis.•In 1935 he received PhD from the University of Munich.In 1935 he received PhD from the University of Munich.•In May of 1938 Mengele was admitted into the SS.In May of 1938 Mengele was admitted into the SS.•July of 1939 married Irene Schoenbein.July of 1939 married Irene Schoenbein.• May 30, 1943 he arrived at AuschwitzMay 30, 1943 he arrived at Auschwitz

•In grade school, Josef was never at the top of his class, but he did well and was ambitious.•Josef’s father wanted him to inherit the factory, but Josef wanted to go to school to become a doctor.•In 1930 Josef graduated form Gunzburg High School and passes the preliminary test that allowed him to enter college.•Josef was then accepted into the University of Munich where he majored in philosophy and medicine.•While studying at Munich, Mengele heard his first Hitler speech and was then affiliated with the Nazi party.•Josef saw Hitler’s movement as a chance for him to advance his career and gain the fame and respect he believed he deserved and had earned.After joining the “Steel Helmets”, Mengele then began to study anthropology and paleontology as well as medicine.Josef attended lectures of Dr. Ernst Rudin who believed in the theory of “unworthy life” which, simply put, was that some lives were not worth living and undeserved. It was at these lectures that Mengele decided he wanted to help with the purification of the German race.

Mengele believed that twins held the secrets to things like genetics and heredity. Concentration camps seemed like a great place for him to find these twin “specimens”.At selection twins where constantly searched for.

(Out of the 3 thousand twins found only about 200 survived)

•If twins were found they were immediately moved while everyone else was sent to their deaths.(if the twins were real young the mother would sometimes accompany them)

•Mengele was a constant presence at selection,even when it wasn’t his day. No twins could be missed coming off the trains.

•Twins weren’t the only people Mengele took an interest in. He also had his men look for dwarfs, giants and people with other odd genetic disorders

•When the twins were found, they were taken away from their parents.When the twins were found, they were taken away from their parents.•After the twins had been taken from their parents, they were taken to the showers. •Since they were "Mengele's children," they were treated differently than other prisoners. Besides the obvious, suffering through medical experiments•The twins were often allowed to keep their hair and allowed to keep their own clothes.•The twins were then tattooed. They were given a number from a special sequence•They were then taken to the twin's barracks where they were required to fill out a form.•Each morning, life for the twins began at six o'clock. The twins were required to report for roll call in front of their barracks no matter what the weather. After roll call, they ate a small breakfast. Then each morning, Mengele would appear for an inspection.•Conditions for the twins were one of the best in Auschwitz, until the trucks came to take them to the experiments.•It was estimated that approximately ten cubic centimeters of blood was drawn daily. Besides having blood drawn, the twins were to undergo various medical experiments. Mengele kept his exact reasoning for his experiments a secret. Many of the twins that he experimented on weren't sure for what purpose the experiments were for nor what exactly what was being injected or done to them.

• Freezing / Hypothermia • Genetics • Infectious Diseases • Interrogation and Torture • Killing / Genocide

• High Altitude• Pharmacological • Sterilization • Surgery • Traumatic

Injuries

- Live dissection of a one year old

Twin ExperimentationTwin Experimentation 1,500 sets of twins collected at Birkenau to 1,500 sets of twins collected at Birkenau to

develop a theory of heredity and relation develop a theory of heredity and relation between disease, racial types, and racial between disease, racial types, and racial inter-breedinginter-breeding

He wanted to discover the genetic key to He wanted to discover the genetic key to creating an “Aryan” creating an “Aryan”

One twin was a control and the other one was One twin was a control and the other one was experimented onexperimented on

They were called “Mengele’s Children”They were called “Mengele’s Children” Wanted to find a way so that all Aryan women Wanted to find a way so that all Aryan women

could assuredly give birth to twins who were could assuredly give birth to twins who were sure to be blonde and blue-eyedsure to be blonde and blue-eyed

Life of Twins Cont.Life of Twins Cont. Twins had blood drawn everyday Twins had blood drawn everyday Blood transfusions of blood from 1 twin Blood transfusions of blood from 1 twin

to anotherto another Tried to fabricate blue eyes with Tried to fabricate blue eyes with

chemicalschemicals Injected Typhus and TuberculosisInjected Typhus and Tuberculosis After one twin dies, the other was killed After one twin dies, the other was killed

to examine and compareto examine and compare Performed surgeries without anesthesia Performed surgeries without anesthesia

including organ removal, castration, including organ removal, castration, and amputationsand amputations

Autopsies were considered the final Autopsies were considered the final experiment experiment

SterilizationSterilization Conducted at Auschwitz and Ravensbruck by Dr. Carl Clamber.Conducted at Auschwitz and Ravensbruck by Dr. Carl Clamber. Tried to develop a method of sterilization for mass amounts of Tried to develop a method of sterilization for mass amounts of

people with little time or effort.people with little time or effort. Some were injected with solutions of iodine and silver nitrate. Some were injected with solutions of iodine and silver nitrate.

(Caused side effects including various types of cancers.) Other (Caused side effects including various types of cancers.) Other methods included castration, injections, or invasive surgeries methods included castration, injections, or invasive surgeries with no anesthesia. with no anesthesia.

Radiation became the fastest, most effective way to sterilize.Radiation became the fastest, most effective way to sterilize. People were brought into rooms and asked to fill out forms People were brought into rooms and asked to fill out forms

which only took a few minutes. In this time, the people were which only took a few minutes. In this time, the people were sterilized. Severe radiation burns occurred.sterilized. Severe radiation burns occurred.

They did this to develop and efficient way to keep the non-They did this to develop and efficient way to keep the non-Aryan race from reproducing.Aryan race from reproducing.

Infectious Disease Infectious Disease ExperimentsExperiments

Diseases like Typhus, Jaundice and Malaria Diseases like Typhus, Jaundice and Malaria were injected into healthy prisoners. Doctors would were injected into healthy prisoners. Doctors would then try to find a cure that could help German then try to find a cure that could help German soldiers who were infected with these diseases.soldiers who were infected with these diseases.

Freezing ExperimentsFreezing Experiments Tried to simulate the conditions the military was facing on Tried to simulate the conditions the military was facing on

the eastern frontthe eastern front Dr. Sigmund Rasher conducted the experiments at Dr. Sigmund Rasher conducted the experiments at

Birkenau, Dachau, and AuschwitzBirkenau, Dachau, and Auschwitz Put the victims in ice baths, or put them outside naked in Put the victims in ice baths, or put them outside naked in

sub zero temperaturessub zero temperatures First, they measured how long it took to freeze the First, they measured how long it took to freeze the

victims to deathvictims to death Second, they tested ways of resuscitating the Second, they tested ways of resuscitating the

victimsvictims These included extremely hot sun lamps, injecting These included extremely hot sun lamps, injecting

boiling water into their organs, and giving them boiling water into their organs, and giving them warm bathswarm baths

Sea Water Sea Water ExperimentsExperiments

Many German soldiers did not have access to Many German soldiers did not have access to fresh water while they were on the field. To solve this fresh water while they were on the field. To solve this issue thet wanted to find a way to make sea water issue thet wanted to find a way to make sea water drinkable. Victims of these experiments were deprived drinkable. Victims of these experiments were deprived of food and only given chemically processed water. As of food and only given chemically processed water. As a result, victims experienced intense pain and internal a result, victims experienced intense pain and internal damage.damage.

High Altitude High Altitude ExperimentsExperiments

High altitude experiments High altitude experiments were done to aid German were done to aid German pilots who had to eject at pilots who had to eject at high altitudes. Victims high altitudes. Victims were placed in low-were placed in low-pressure chambers that pressure chambers that could mimic conditions of could mimic conditions of altitudes up to 66 000 ft. altitudes up to 66 000 ft. Eventually, the lack of Eventually, the lack of oxygen in these chambers oxygen in these chambers would cause the victims would cause the victims brain and lungs to swell, brain and lungs to swell, resulting in death.resulting in death.

Battle Wound ImitationsBattle Wound ImitationsDoctors wanted to find the Doctors wanted to find the

best possible treatment for best possible treatment for soldiers suffering from battle soldiers suffering from battle wounds. Victims were inflicted wounds. Victims were inflicted with wounds so deep that the with wounds so deep that the bone was showing. From there, bone was showing. From there, doctors inserted shrapnel into doctors inserted shrapnel into the wound and let infection take the wound and let infection take place. Pieces of glass, shards of place. Pieces of glass, shards of wood, dirt and bacteria were wood, dirt and bacteria were rubbed into the wound to further rubbed into the wound to further aggravate it and better simulate aggravate it and better simulate a real battle wound. Doctors a real battle wound. Doctors would experiment with different would experiment with different ‘solutions’ which often only made ‘solutions’ which often only made things worse by causing intense things worse by causing intense pain and even death.pain and even death.

Testing of DrugsTesting of Drugs Infected victims with malaria, then tested multiple drugs to Infected victims with malaria, then tested multiple drugs to

find an immunization or treatmentfind an immunization or treatment Most patients died either from the disease or from Most patients died either from the disease or from

complications from the drugscomplications from the drugs Sulfonamide was tested as a cure for tetanusSulfonamide was tested as a cure for tetanus Tested at Dachau Concentration CampTested at Dachau Concentration Camp

PoisonPoisonResearchers at Buchenwald concentration camp developed a Researchers at Buchenwald concentration camp developed a method of individual execution by injecting Russian prisoners method of individual execution by injecting Russian prisoners with phenol and cyanide. Experimenters also tested various with phenol and cyanide. Experimenters also tested various

poisons on the human body by secreting noxious chemicals in poisons on the human body by secreting noxious chemicals in prisoners' food or shooting inmates with poison bullets. Victims prisoners' food or shooting inmates with poison bullets. Victims who did not die during these experiments were killed to allow who did not die during these experiments were killed to allow

the experimenters to perform autopsiesthe experimenters to perform autopsies

TransplantationTransplantation

Tested at Ravensbruck Tested at Ravensbruck concentration campconcentration camp

Experiments done of Experiments done of the transplantation of the transplantation of nerves, bones, and nerves, bones, and musclemuscle

No anesthesia was No anesthesia was usedused

Also experimented Also experimented with nerve, bone, and with nerve, bone, and muscle regenerationmuscle regeneration

Mengele sent hundreds of thousands Mengele sent hundreds of thousands of Jews to the gas chambers.of Jews to the gas chambers. Men, women, children, babies.Men, women, children, babies.

One account shows the details of a One account shows the details of a gruesome act performed by gruesome act performed by Mengele.Mengele. A mother didn’t want to separate from A mother didn’t want to separate from

her daughter so he sent the whole group her daughter so he sent the whole group he was sent to the gas chambers.he was sent to the gas chambers.

After AuschwitzAfter Auschwitz

The SS abandoned the Auschwitz camp on The SS abandoned the Auschwitz camp on January 27, 1945, and Mengele transferred January 27, 1945, and Mengele transferred to Gross Rosen camp in Lower Silesia, again to Gross Rosen camp in Lower Silesia, again working as camp physician.working as camp physician.

The unit hurried west to avoid being The unit hurried west to avoid being captured by the Soviets and were taken as captured by the Soviets and were taken as prisoners of war by the Americans.prisoners of war by the Americans.

Mengele, initially registered under his own Mengele, initially registered under his own name, was released in June 1945 with name, was released in June 1945 with papers giving his name as "Fritz Hollmann".papers giving his name as "Fritz Hollmann".

After he ran from Germany to South America After he ran from Germany to South America he lived for 35 years under many different he lived for 35 years under many different aliases.aliases.

He eventually died in 1979.He eventually died in 1979. He had a stroke while swimming in the He had a stroke while swimming in the

ocean.ocean.

During the second World War, During the second World War, Nazi human experimentation Nazi human experimentation occurred in Germany. occurred in Germany.

At war's conclusion, 23 Nazi At war's conclusion, 23 Nazi doctors and scientists were doctors and scientists were tried for the murder of tried for the murder of concentration camp inmates concentration camp inmates who were used as research who were used as research subjects. subjects.

Of the 23 professionals tried Of the 23 professionals tried at Nuremberg, 15 were at Nuremberg, 15 were convicted. convicted.

Seven of them were Seven of them were condemned to death by condemned to death by hanging and eight received hanging and eight received prison sentences from 10 prison sentences from 10 years to life. years to life.

Nuremberg Trial

AUSCHWITZ I AUSCHWITZ I   Auschwitz I, the main camp, was the first camp Auschwitz I, the main camp, was the first camp established near Oswiecim. It’s Construction began in established near Oswiecim. It’s Construction began in May 1940 in an abandoned Polish army artillery May 1940 in an abandoned Polish army artillery barracks. During the first year of the camp’s existence, barracks. During the first year of the camp’s existence, the SS and police cleared a zone of approximately 40 the SS and police cleared a zone of approximately 40 square kilometers (15.44 square miles) as a square kilometers (15.44 square miles) as a “development zone” reserved for the gas chambers. The “development zone” reserved for the gas chambers. The first prisoners at Auschwitz included German prisoners first prisoners at Auschwitz included German prisoners transferred from  othe concentration camps in Germany.transferred from  othe concentration camps in Germany.

Auschwitz I was constructed to serve three purposes: Auschwitz I was constructed to serve three purposes: 1) to incarcerate real and perceived enemies of the Nazi 1) to incarcerate real and perceived enemies of the Nazi

regime and the German occupation authorities in Poland regime and the German occupation authorities in Poland for an indefinite period of time; for an indefinite period of time;

2) to have forced laborers for deployment. 2) to have forced laborers for deployment. 3) to serve as a site to physically eliminate small, 3) to serve as a site to physically eliminate small,

targeted groups of the population whose death was targeted groups of the population whose death was determined by the SS and police.determined by the SS and police.

AUSCHWITZ II AUSCHWITZ II   Construction of Auschwitz II also known as Auschwitz-Construction of Auschwitz II also known as Auschwitz-Birkenau, began in October 1941. Birkenau, began in October 1941.

Of the three camps, Auschwitz-Birkenau camp had the Of the three camps, Auschwitz-Birkenau camp had the largest total prisoner population.largest total prisoner population.

It was divided into more than a dozen sections separated It was divided into more than a dozen sections separated by electrified barbed-wire fences by electrified barbed-wire fences

The camp included sections for women and menThe camp included sections for women and men Auschwitz-Birkenau also contained the facilities for a Auschwitz-Birkenau also contained the facilities for a

killing center. It played a central role in the German plan killing center. It played a central role in the German plan to kill the Jews of Europe. During the summer and autumn to kill the Jews of Europe. During the summer and autumn of 1941, Zyklon B gas was introduced into the German of 1941, Zyklon B gas was introduced into the German concentration camp system as a means for murder. concentration camp system as a means for murder.

The "success" of these experiments led to the adoption of The "success" of these experiments led to the adoption of Zyklon B for all the gas chambers at the Auschwitz Zyklon B for all the gas chambers at the Auschwitz complexcomplex. .

Four large crematorium buildings were constructed Four large crematorium buildings were constructed between March and June 1943. Each had three between March and June 1943. Each had three components: a disrobing area, a large gas chamber, and components: a disrobing area, a large gas chamber, and crematorium ovens. The SS continued gassing crematorium ovens. The SS continued gassing operations at Auschwitz-Birkenau until November 1944. operations at Auschwitz-Birkenau until November 1944.

AUSCHWITZ III  Auschwitz III, also called Buna or Monowitz, was established in October 1942 to house prisoners. From May 1941 until October 1942, the SS had transported prisoners from Auschwitz I to the “Buna Detachment,” at first on foot and later by rail.Auschwitz III also had a so-called Labor Education Camp for non-Jewish prisoners who were perceived to have violated German-imposed labor discipline.

AUSCHWITZ SUBCAMPS  Between 1942 and 1945, Auschwitz established 39 subcamps. Some of them were established within the officially designated “development” zone, including Budy, Rajsko, Tschechowitz, Harmense, and Babitz. Others, such as Blechhammer, Gleiwitz, Althammer, Fürstengrube, Laurahuette, and Eintrachthuette.

In general the subcamps produced or processed agricultural.Auschwitz inmates were employed on huge farms, including the experimental agricultural station at Rajsko. They were also forced to work in coal mines, in stone quarries, in fisheries, and especially in armaments industries such as the SS-owned German Equipment Works (established in 1941).

Periodically, prisoners underwent selection. If the SS judged them too weak or sick to continue working, they were transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and then killed.Prisoners selected for forced labor were registered and tattooed with identification numbers on their left arms in Auschwitz I. They were then assigned to forced labor at the main camp or elsewhere in the complex, including the subcamps.

DEPORTATIONS TO AUSCHWITZ  Trains arrived at Auschwitz-Birkenau frequently with transports of Jews from virtually every country in Europe.These transports arrived from 1942 to the end of summer 1944. The breakdown of deportations from individual countries, given in approximate figures, is: Hungary: 426,000Poland: 300,000France: 69,000Netherlands: 60,000Greece: 55,000Bohemia and Moravia: 46,000Slovakia: 27,000Belgium: 25,000Yugoslavia: 10,000Italy: 7,500Norway: 690other (including concentration camps): 34,000.

the role of Auschwitz-Birkenau as an instrument in the German plan to murder the Jews of Europe achieved its highest effectiveness. Between late April and early July 1944,

approximately 440,000 Hungarian Jews were deported, around 426,000 of them to Auschwitz.

The SS sent approximately 320,000 of them directly to the gas chambers in Auschwitz-Birkenau and deployed approximately 110,000 at forced labor in the Auschwitz concentration camp complex.

The SS authorities transferred many of these Hungarian Jewish forced laborers within weeks of their arrival in Auschwitz to other concentration camps in Germany and Austria.In total, approximately 1.1 million Jews were deported to Auschwitz.

SS and police authorities deported approximately 200,000 other victims to Auschwitz, including: 140,000-150,000non-Jewish Poles23,000 Roma and Sinti (Gypsies)15,000Soviet prisoners of war25,000 others (Soviet civilians, Lithuanians, Czechs, French, Yugoslavs, Germans, Austrians, and Italians).

New arrivals at Auschwitz-Birkenau underwent selection. The SS staff determined the majority to be unfit for forced labor and sent them immediately to the gas chambers, which were disguised as shower installations to mislead the victims.

The belongings of those gassed were confiscated and sold for profits.

At least 1,960,000 Jews were killed in Auschwitz.

Other victims included approximately: 74,000 Poles21,000 Roma (Gypsies)15,000 Soviet prisoners of war10,000-15,000 members of other nationalities (Soviet civilians, Czechs, Yugoslavs, French, Germans, and Austrians).

“On October 7, 1944, several hundred prisoners assigned to Crematorium IV at Auschwitz-Birkenau rebelled after learning that they were going to be killed. During the uprising, the prisoners killed three guards and blew up the crematorium and adjacent gas chamber. The prisoners used explosives smuggled into the camp by Jewish women

who had been assigned to forced labor in a nearby armaments factory. The Germans crushed the revolt and killed almost all of the prisoners

involved in the rebellion”. Gassing operations continued, however, until November 1944, at which time the SS, on orders from Himmler, disabled the gas chambers that

still functioned. The SS destroyed the remaining gassing installations as Soviet forces approached in January 1945.

THE LIBERATION OF AUSCHWITZ  In mid-January 1945, as Soviet forces approached the Auschwitz concentration camp complex, the SS began evacuating Auschwitz and all its subcamps.

SS units forced 60,000 prisoners to march from the Auschwitz camp system.

Thousands had been killed in the camps in the days before these death marches began.

Tens of thousands of prisoners, mostly Jews, were forced to march either northwest for 30 miles to Gliwice.

SS guards shot anyone who fell behind or could not continue. Prisoners also suffered from the cold weather, starvation, and exposure on these marches. At least 3,000 prisoners died on route to Gliwice alone; possibly as many as 15,000 prisoners died during the evacuation marches from Auschwitz and the subcamps.

Upon arrival in Gliwice and Wodzislaw, the prisoners were put on unheated freight trains and transported to concentration camps in Germany. The rail journey lasted for days. Without food, water, shelter, or blankets, many prisoners died on the way.In late January 1945, SS forced 4,000 prisoners to evacuate Blechhammer, a subcamp of Auschwitz-Monowitz, on foot. The SS murdered about 800 prisoners during the march to the Gross-Rosen concentration camp. SS officials also killed as many as 200 prisoners left behind in Blechhammer as a result of illness or successful attempts to hide. On January 27, 1945, the Soviet army entered Auschwitz, Birkenau, and Monowitz and liberated around 7,000 prisoners, most of whom were ill and dying. It is estimated that the SS and police deported at a minimum 1.3 million people to Auschwitz complex between 1940 and 1945.

those who were 'selected' (chosen) as fit for work were used as slave laborers. The rest were gassed as soon as practical. Kids under 15 (sometimes 14), visibly pregnant women and the elderly were gassed as unfit for work. This was standard procedure. 

Those considered fit for work were registered and tattooed with a number and then sent to forced labour sections of the camp, where they had to do heavy manual labour on grossly insufficient food. 

Most women, children, and elderly people were told they were going to the "showers" to be cleansed of lice, but, they were gassed and cremated as soon as possible. Healthy adult men and women healthy were worked until they were unable to do any more back breaking slave labor, then they were gassed and cremated, and replaced by new slave labor. A small number of Jews were used for "medical experiments".

Children who were transported Children who were transported to Auschwitzto Auschwitz

FFrom all occupied areas, children were deported to rom all occupied areas, children were deported to Auschwitz since 1942. Small kids were ususally killed Auschwitz since 1942. Small kids were ususally killed immediately because they were too young to work.immediately because they were too young to work.

Mothers who held their babies in their arms were gassed Mothers who held their babies in their arms were gassed together with the children. A child made a mother look together with the children. A child made a mother look like "unable to work".like "unable to work".

If the mother was seen as "able to work" she would be If the mother was seen as "able to work" she would be sent to the camp. Families could only stay together in sent to the camp. Families could only stay together in the gypsy campthe gypsy camp

BBoys, which survived the selection, were first assigned to oys, which survived the selection, were first assigned to work as masons at the building of the crematories.work as masons at the building of the crematories.

IIt was prohibited to drink water in the camp because of its t was prohibited to drink water in the camp because of its contamination. Nevertheless, the thirsty children drank it contamination. Nevertheless, the thirsty children drank it and thus, were exposed to all diseases raging in the camp. and thus, were exposed to all diseases raging in the camp.

Roll Call each morning…. Roll Call each morning…. sometimes the prisoners would sometimes the prisoners would have to stand for hours while the have to stand for hours while the SS got an accurate count at the SS got an accurate count at the sentry station.sentry station.

All trees at Auschwitz were planted after WWII

Entrance to 3’ X 3’ X 5’ Entrance to 3’ X 3’ X 5’ special cell blocks.special cell blocks.

Nazis would cram four Nazis would cram four prisoners into one cell at prisoners into one cell at

a single timea single time

No way to sit or lay No way to sit or lay down. Would stand for down. Would stand for

10 hours, then go out and 10 hours, then go out and work in the fields all day.work in the fields all day.

Blok Smierci:Blok Smierci:

Camp Court and SS Torture HeadquartersCamp Court and SS Torture Headquarters

The Black Wall:The Black Wall:

Execution Firing Squad outside of Blok SmierciExecution Firing Squad outside of Blok Smierci

•The photo is of the entrance into the crematorium at the Auschwitz I concentration camp complex.

• This building had been a former Polish Army bunker that the Germans converted into a crematorium.

•The inside of the building was destroyed by the Nazis before

they evacuated the camp as the Soviet Army was closing in. 

•The photo is of the hanging gallows at the Auschwitz 1 Concentration camp complex. The SS conducted public hangings on these gallows that the prisoners were forced to watch.• These hangings were used as an act of intimidation.•The largest mass hanging on these gallows occurred on July 19, 1943 when 12 Polish men were hung at the same time. They were accused of helping 3 prisoners escape and for maintaining contact with the outside world. 

SOBIBORSOBIBOR

The CampThe Camp

Location:Location: Near the Sobibor Near the Sobibor

villagevillage Deeply forested and Deeply forested and

swampy areaswampy area High fence and wiresHigh fence and wires Hidden completely Hidden completely

from viewfrom view

Camp Areas: Camp Areas: Administration (offices Administration (offices

and barracks)and barracks) Reception (belongings)Reception (belongings) Killing (gas chamber)Killing (gas chamber)

Percentage of Jews deported to Sobibor

SOBIBORSOBIBOR Sobibor was the second death camp constructed.Sobibor was the second death camp constructed. In March 1942 a new railroad spur was built, which ended at an In March 1942 a new railroad spur was built, which ended at an

earthen ramp, the ramp was opposite the station building.  earthen ramp, the ramp was opposite the station building.   The camp was in the form of a 400 x 600m rectangle, The camp was in the form of a 400 x 600m rectangle,

surrounded by a 3m high double barbed-wire fence, partially surrounded by a 3m high double barbed-wire fence, partially interwoven with pine branches to prevent observation from the interwoven with pine branches to prevent observation from the outside. Along the fence and in the corners of the camp were outside. Along the fence and in the corners of the camp were wooden garde towers.wooden garde towers.

Each of the four camp areas was individually fenced in.Each of the four camp areas was individually fenced in. Unlike the death camp at Belzec, the SS men lived inside the Unlike the death camp at Belzec, the SS men lived inside the

camp area.camp area.• The three gas chambers were inside a brick building - individual The three gas chambers were inside a brick building - individual

chambers were square shaped, 4 x 4m and had a capacity of chambers were square shaped, 4 x 4m and had a capacity of 160 – 180 persons.160 – 180 persons.

Each gas chamber was entered through a small door.Each gas chamber was entered through a small door. Outside the building was an annex in which a motor produced Outside the building was an annex in which a motor produced

the deadly carbon monoxide gas, water pipes conducted the gas the deadly carbon monoxide gas, water pipes conducted the gas to the gas chambers.to the gas chambers.

• MAY 1942 300 JEWS AND SOVIET try to excapeMAY 1942 300 JEWS AND SOVIET try to excape• ONLY 50 LIVEONLY 50 LIVE• GAS CHAMBERS SHUT DOWN AFTER ESCAPEGAS CHAMBERS SHUT DOWN AFTER ESCAPE

How the extermination process operated: “Before the Jews undressed they were told that they would be sent to work. But before this they would have to take baths. To prevent the spread of diseases. After undressing, the Jews were taken through the ‘tube,’ by an SS man. After the Jews had entered the gas chambers, the Ukrainians closed the doors, the motor was switched on. In thirty minits they were ded. After the gassing, the doors were opened and the corpses were removed by a group of Jewish slave workers.” The slave workers who had to carry out these duties in the extermination process were selected from the transports. During the first phase of the killing operations in Sobibor, from the 5 May until the end of July 1942.

CHELMNOCHELMNO

CHELMNOCHELMNOhe village of Chelmno (Ger.: Kulmhof) is located about west central Poland. SS and police authorities established the Chelmno killing center in order to annihilate the Jewish population of the Wartheland.It was the first stationary facility where poison gas was used for mass murder of Jews. The SS and police began killing operations at Chelmno on December 8, 1941.

Gas TrucksThese were vehicles packed

with Jews, handicaps, Gypsies etc. and they were gassed with carbon monoxide which resulted in suffocation. Gas trucks were particularly used at Chelmno extermination camp.There were 3 gas trucks used in Chelmno, Poland.Once the victims suffocated, the driver would take them to the forest camp (Waldlager) where the corpses were buried in the graves.This procedure happened on a daily basis from December 8, 1941 to the spring of 1943. 

Any victims found to be still alive as the corpses were being unloaded were shot by SS and police officials on duty at the forest camp.

DEPORTATIONS TO CHELMNO  The SS and police conducted killing operations in Chelmno from December 8, 1941, until March 1943 and then again for a brief period in June-July 1944 in the forest camp. From early December 1941 until mid-January 1942, the SS and police deported Jews by truck from nearby towns and villages.Other victims murdered at the Chelmno killing center included:5,000 Gypsies)

In March 1943, the ss shot the last Jewish forced laborers. And destroyed the gas chamber

In June 1944, however, the Germans renewed deportations to Chelmno to facilitate.

The SS returned to the forest camp and supervised résumé the killing operations.

Then they killed the Jews either by asphyxiation in a gas van or by shooting. From mid-July 1944, the SS and police deported the remaining inhabitants Auschwitz-ll.Seven Jews are known to have escaped from Chelmno; all worked in the burial detachment. The killing center was demolished in January 1945.

MAJDANEKMAJDANEK

MAJDANEKMAJDANEK Established in 1941 as a POW campEstablished in 1941 as a POW camp started its part in the Final Solution in 1942started its part in the Final Solution in 1942 Jews, Poles and Soviet POW’s sent hereJews, Poles and Soviet POW’s sent here

•Initially there were two gas chambers using Zyklon-B poison gas Initially there were two gas chambers using Zyklon-B poison gas housed in a wooden building; later there were replaced by gas housed in a wooden building; later there were replaced by gas chambers in a brick building. chambers in a brick building. •The killing operations began in April 1942 and ended in July 1944.The killing operations began in April 1942 and ended in July 1944.•The estimated number of deaths is 360,000, including Jews, Soviet The estimated number of deaths is 360,000, including Jews, Soviet POWs and Poles.POWs and Poles.•TThe original camp was constructed by Jewish POWs..he original camp was constructed by Jewish POWs..•It contaned 144 barracks sub divided into five sectionsIt contaned 144 barracks sub divided into five sections•AAn estimated 130,000 Jews were deported to Majdanek during 1942-n estimated 130,000 Jews were deported to Majdanek during 1942-43 as part of the 'Final Solution'.43 as part of the 'Final Solution'. •As with Auschwitz, but unlike the other major killing centers of Sobibor, Belzec, Treblinka, and Chelmno, Majdanek was also a slave labor and prisoner camp.

The Liberation of MajdanekThe Majdanek extermination camp was liberated by Soviet troops on July 23, 1944; it was the first of many Nazi concentration camps to be liberated by the Allies.Shortly after Majdanek was liberated, a documentary film was made by the Russians to show horrors that realy went on in the camp. When Majdanek was liberated, it was also the first time that anyone from the Allied countries had actually seen a gas chamber.

BELZECBELZEC

BELZECBELZEC The Belzec death camp was located in the southeastern part of the Lublin District, near Belzec. In early 1940, the Germans set up a number of labor The Belzec death camp was located in the southeastern part of the Lublin District, near Belzec. In early 1940, the Germans set up a number of labor

camps in the Belzec district, housing workers building the "Otto-Line", a series of building on the border with the Soviet Union. These Jewish labor camps in the Belzec district, housing workers building the "Otto-Line", a series of building on the border with the Soviet Union. These Jewish labor camps were disbanded in October 1940. It was rebuilt in connection with camps were disbanded in October 1940. It was rebuilt in connection with Aktion ReinhardAktion Reinhard, specifically for the murder of Jews., specifically for the murder of Jews.

In November 1941, SS and police authorities in Lublin District began construction of a killing center.In November 1941, SS and police authorities in Lublin District began construction of a killing center. The facility was finished in the late winter of 1942.The facility was finished in the late winter of 1942. Belzec began operations on March 17, 1942.Belzec began operations on March 17, 1942. The killing center was only 1,620 feet from the Belzec railway station.The killing center was only 1,620 feet from the Belzec railway station. The Germans divided Belzec into two sections a reception area and a separate area, in which the SS and police The Germans divided Belzec into two sections a reception area and a separate area, in which the SS and police

could carry out the mass murder hidden from view of victims waiting in the reception area. A narrow enclosed path could carry out the mass murder hidden from view of victims waiting in the reception area. A narrow enclosed path called the "tube" connected the two sections of the killing center.called the "tube" connected the two sections of the killing center.

•Gassing operations at Belzec began in mid-March 1942. •Trains of 40 to 60 freight cars, with 80 to 100 people crowded into each car, arrived at the Belzec railway station. Twenty freight cars at a time were detached and brought from the station into the camp. •The Jews were forced to undress and run through the "tube," which led directly into gas chambers deceptively labeled as showers. Once the chamber doors were sealed, auxiliary police guards started an engine located outside the building housing the gas chambers. Carbon monoxide was funneled into the gas chambers, killing all those inside. The process was then repeated with deportees in the next 20 freight cars.DISMANTLEMENT OF BELZEC  By late spring 1943, Jewish forced laborers cremated the bodies and demolished the canpDuring June 1943, the job was completed and the Jewish forced laborers were either shot in Belzec or deported to the Sobibor killing center to be gassed.After the Belzec camp was dismantled, the Germans ploughed over the site, built a manor house and planted trees and crops to disguise the area as a farm.

TreblinkaTreblinka

TREBLINKA TREBLINKA EXTERMINATION CAMPEXTERMINATION CAMP

Treblinka was split into two camps: Treblinka I was a labor camp, and Treblinka II was the extermination camp. While Treblinka I housed the 700 Jews performing the manual labor (which consisted of the work concerning the killing process and tending to the German and Ukrainian staff) Treblinka II housed three gas chambers, until it expanded and three more were constructed. (see picture bottom left)The camp was initially supervised by SS Obersturmfuhrer Imfried Eberl until SS Obersturmfuhrer Franz Stangl replaced him in August 1942 and was run by Germans, Urkranians, and Jewish prisoners. Since its construction in 1942, Jews were brought from all over the Generalgouvernment to Treblinka. The first Jews in Treblinka began with the evacuation of the Warsaw ghetto (see picture bottom right).

TreblinkaTreblinka The first railway of victims arrived at the Treblinka camp on June 22, The first railway of victims arrived at the Treblinka camp on June 22,

1942, and from that time there was a constant stream of fresh arrivals. 1942, and from that time there was a constant stream of fresh arrivals.

In front of the entrance to the gas-chambers there were usually several In front of the entrance to the gas-chambers there were usually several people standing by with dogs, who drove the victims in. The victims were people standing by with dogs, who drove the victims in. The victims were driven into the gas-chambers with their hands up, so that as many might be driven into the gas-chambers with their hands up, so that as many might be squeezed in as possible, and small children were piled on top. squeezed in as possible, and small children were piled on top.

The actual gassing in the chambers lasted about 15 minutes. After the state The actual gassing in the chambers lasted about 15 minutes. After the state of the victims had been observed through a special small window, the of the victims had been observed through a special small window, the doors on the outside of the building were opened, and the corpses, being so doors on the outside of the building were opened, and the corpses, being so closely packed inside, fell out of their own weight on to the ground. closely packed inside, fell out of their own weight on to the ground. Instantly the workers removed them, and prepared the place for the next Instantly the workers removed them, and prepared the place for the next batch. batch.

10 GAS CHAMBERS10 GAS CHAMBERS LOCATED EAST OF WARSAWLOCATED EAST OF WARSAW BODIES WERE BURNED IN OPEN PITSBODIES WERE BURNED IN OPEN PITS

Destruction of TreblinkaDestruction of Treblinka

Treblinka survivors

1945 photo by Russian and Polish investigators after destruction

Mass graves that had been covered up. Photo taken 1945

Gas chamber remains

Human remains

Death MarchesDeath Marches As the war was coming As the war was coming

to a close, it became to a close, it became clear to the Germans clear to the Germans that they would lose to that they would lose to the Allies. With Allied the Allies. With Allied troops moving in from troops moving in from the West and the Soviet the West and the Soviet troops from the East, troops from the East, the Germans tried to the Germans tried to move the Holocaust move the Holocaust survivors from the survivors from the concentration camps to concentration camps to the center of Germany.the center of Germany.

Death MarchesDeath MarchesAt first, evacuations At first, evacuations were carried out by were carried out by train or boat. But as train or boat. But as the Allies reached the Allies reached the borders of the borders of Germany, more and Germany, more and more prisoners were more prisoners were evacuated on foot. evacuated on foot.

Prisoners had no supplies. Many froze to death overnight Prisoners had no supplies. Many froze to death overnight when they were forced to stop in open fields. Exhaustion and when they were forced to stop in open fields. Exhaustion and diseases such as typhus killed many others. Most prisoners diseases such as typhus killed many others. Most prisoners were frostbitten. were frostbitten.

Any prisoner who could not keep pace with the march or Any prisoner who could not keep pace with the march or lagged behind was shot, as was anyone caught trying to lagged behind was shot, as was anyone caught trying to escape. Of the 66,000 prisoners evacuated from Auschwitz, escape. Of the 66,000 prisoners evacuated from Auschwitz, 15,000 died on the march to Germany. 15,000 died on the march to Germany.

Prisoners were marched almost to the last day of the war. Prisoners were marched almost to the last day of the war. During the last two months before Germany surrendered, During the last two months before Germany surrendered, 250,000 prisoners were moved. 250,000 prisoners were moved.

A Total of 6,000,000 Jews

Percentage of Jews killed in each country

Holocaust Death TollHolocaust Death Toll Jews: 5.9 MillionJews: 5.9 Million Soviet POW’s: 2 - 3 MillionSoviet POW’s: 2 - 3 Million Ethnic Poles: 1.8 - 2 Million Ethnic Poles: 1.8 - 2 Million Romani: 220,000 - 1,500,000 Romani: 220,000 - 1,500,000 Disabled: 200,000 - 250,000 Disabled: 200,000 - 250,000 Freemasons: 80,000Freemasons: 80,000 Slovenes: 20,000 - 25,000 Slovenes: 20,000 - 25,000 Homosexuals: 5,000 - 15,000 Homosexuals: 5,000 - 15,000 Jehovah's Witnesses: 2,500 - 5,000 Jehovah's Witnesses: 2,500 - 5,000

As the Allies advanced towards As the Allies advanced towards Berlin, one by one they Berlin, one by one they discovered the horrors left by discovered the horrors left by the Nazis.the Nazis.

First the Soviets at Chelmo, First the Soviets at Chelmo, then the Americans at Dachau then the Americans at Dachau and many more...and many more...

““Our troops found sights, Our troops found sights, sounds, and stenches horrible sounds, and stenches horrible beyond belief, cruelties so beyond belief, cruelties so enormous as to be enormous as to be incomprehensible to the incomprehensible to the normal mind.“ normal mind.“ - Colonel - Colonel William QuinnWilliam Quinn

General General Eisenhower Eisenhower and officers and officers look over the look over the discovered discovered remains of remains of Nazi Nazi extermination.extermination.