Auschwitz was one of the most horrific concentration camps run by the Nazis during World War II under Hitler’s regime. People were transported there in overcrowded train compartments, packed tightly together in terrible conditions. On arrival, prisoners were immediately separated into groups: men, women and children, and the elderly. Many were also divided based on how “useful” the Nazis believed they were, with some sent to labour camps and others to death camps.
Once prisoners reached their assigned areas, they were stripped of their belongings and had their hair shaved off. They were also given identification numbers tattooed onto their arms before being forced into camp life. Conditions were extremely harsh. Food was scarce, often just small portions of bread given a few times a day, and prisoners were expected to survive while being constantly controlled and punished. Even necessities like toilets were outside, meaning people suffered greatly in freezing winter temperatures.
Many of the prisoners were Jewish, but others included Roma people and Muslims as well. The persecution of Jewish people was driven by Nazi ideology, which falsely blamed them for Germany’s problems after the war. Any small mistake or perceived disobedience could lead to brutal punishment or abuse from guards.