first Nazi concentration camps were established as early as the Third Reich immediately after coming to power of the Nazi Party.Their original purpose was to isolate individuals who were suspected of opposition to the new regime.The first, which was in the concentration camp the Nazis back in 1933-34, became their main opponents from the times of the Weimar Republic - communists and socialists.Already in July 1933 the number of prisoners reached the mark of 26 thousand people across the country.However, after the first stage, when the National Socialist Party sets its total power across the country, the number of arrests has declined slightly.Moreover, many of the unjustly arrested were released.
prewar period
new round of mass arrests begins in the late 30s.Now the concentration camp the Nazis intensively replenish German Jews.Also here are often found in different antisocial elements like the drunks, the homeless and others.In 1938, in connection with the first territorial acquisition is bloodless (Anschluss), the number of inmates increases even more.In the same period of the camp begin to take a unified structure.There are women's concentration camp the Nazis, as, for example, Ravensbrück, located in Pomerania.But the really horrific scope the whole system has already reached during the war.
activities during the Second World War
In time of war camp system continuously expanding, which is natural.Apart from the prisoners from the occupied areas and the increased number of German political prisoners protesting against the aggressive policies of Germany.There are camps not only in the Reich and in the occupied territories: Majdanek, Treblinka, Auschwitz, and dozens of other more or less known today.Gaining momentum policy of persecution of homosexuals, religious sectarians, Gypsies and Jews.Often steel and tortures in the concentration camps of the Nazis.After the invasion of the Soviet Union begins the most monstrous stage in the existence of these structures.Nazi concentration camp literally turn into a death factory.For example, the world-famous Auschwitz fully earned from January 1942.The fact is that during this period of the NSDAP finally headed for the complete destruction of the Jews, after which they were the main victims of the concentration camps.So, Rudolf Hoess, commandant of Auschwitz, the main (not to be confused with a high-ranking member of the Nazi Party, Rudolf Hess, who by that time was in British captivity) invented the first pesticide use crystals, called "Zyklon B", as a toxic substance.And very proud of his decision, repeatedly boasting among Nazi officers, it is possible to increase the number of victims of Auschwitz and to make the most efficient machine of death in the entire Nazi system.Another diabolic innovation was the construction of this huge concentration camp gas chambers, thus increasing their capacity.Thus, the concentration system of the Nazi bosses has become one of the most important tools in the infamous policy of occupation and mass destruction of people in the occupied territories.
