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- Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp
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Auschwitz History | Understanding the Systemic Killing of Jews & Tracing the Roots of the Holocaust
Auschwitz-BirkenauHistory
Auschwitz Birkenau was the largest Nazi concentration camp during World War II, where millions of people, mostly Jews, died due to inhumane living conditions, torture, and medical experiments. Many of them were systematically murdered in gas chambers. The camp is divided into two sections, Auschwitz I, and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, and serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
Auschwitz history explained
Auschwitz I established
1940
Auschwitz I became operational as a concentration camp for political prisoners. Initially, the camp was intended to hold Polish prisoners, but it was later expanded to include other groups deemed ‘enemies of the state’. These included Soviet prisoners of war, Roma, homosexuals, and others who were considered a threat to the Nazi regime.
Auschwitz Birkenau II established
1941
Construction of Auschwitz II-Birkenau began. This expansion was part of the Nazis' plan to establish a larger, more efficient killing center. Birkenau was designed to hold up to 100,000 prisoners and had several gas chambers and crematoria.
Mass deportation began
1942
The arrival of thousands of Jews marked the beginning of the systematic extermination of Jews at Auschwitz Birkenau. The Nazis used Zyklon B gas to kill victims in the gas chambers, which were disguised as shower rooms. The victims passed away within minutes, after which, they were cremated.
Auschwitz became a major concentration camp
1943
By this point, Auschwitz Birkenau had become the largest and deadliest Nazi concentration camp. Many Jews were transported to Auschwitz from other countries, including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Many hungarian Jews were deported
1944
Several Hungarian Jews were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, and the gas chambers in Auschwitz were operating at full capacity. In May and June of 1944, more than 400,000 Hungarian Jews were transported to Auschwitz and Birkenau, where most were immediately sent to the gas chambers. Some were used as forced laborers, but many died of starvation or disease.
Sonderkommando Rebellion took place
October 1944
The Sonderkommandos were Jewish prisoners who were forced to work in gas chambers and crematoria. In October 1944, they staged a rebellion and blew up one of the crematoria. Most of the rebels were killed, but the rebellion inspired others to resist the Nazis in the final months of the war.
Soviet army liberated Auschwitz
January 1945
The Soviet Army arrived at Auschwitz Birkenau on January 27, 1945. They found more than 7000 prisoners who were sick, malnourished, and dying. Many were too weak to leave the camp and died in the weeks after the liberation of Auschwitz.
Auschwitz Birkenau State Museum established
1947
The Polish government established the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum on the site of the former camp. The museum was established to preserve the site and educate visitors about the horrors that took place there. The museum includes exhibits on the history of the camp, the victims, and the perpetrators.
Auschwitz declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
1979
Auschwitz Birkenau was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site was recognized for its historical significance and the need to preserve it for future generations. The designation helped raise awareness about the importance of remembering the Holocaust and the need to combat genocide.
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Frequently asked questions about Auschwitz history
How old is Auschwitz?
The Auschwitz-Birkenau camp was established in 1940, making it over 80 years old.
Why should I visit Auschwitz?
Visiting Auschwitz is a way to pay respects to the victims of the extermination camps, learn about the history of the Holocaust, and honor the memory of those who suffered and died there.
What happened in Auschwitz?
Auschwitz-Birkenau holds a dark history that unfolded during World War II. Originally built by the Nazis as a forced labor camp, it evolved into a major extermination site where mass murder, torture, and inhumane experiments took place. The camp was notorious for its gas chambers, where countless innocent men, women, and children met their tragic end. The exact number of victims is hard to determine but is estimated to be over a million.
When did Auschwitz concentration camp close?
Auschwitz concentration camp closed in 1945 when Soviet army liberated the concentration camps.
Where is Auschwitz located?
Auschwitz-Birkenau is located in the town of Oswiecim, in the southern part of Poland. It is situated about 50 kilometers west of Krakow and covers an area of approximately 200 hectares.
What are some interesting facts about Auschwitz?
Some interesting Auschwitz facts include that over 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were murdered at Auschwitz death camps, which was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp. The prisoners' belongings, including clothing, glasses, and even human hair, were harvested and used by the Nazis.
How much does it cost to visit Auschwitz?
You do not need to purchase a ticket to enter Auschwitz, however, you can book fast-track Auschwitz tickets or buy a guided tour to delve deeper into the history of this concentration camp. The fast-track tickets and guided tours begin from around zł96.19 to zł267.33.
Are there guided tours explaining the history of Auschwitz Birkenau?
Yes, you can book Auschwitz guided tours to understand the history of this extermination camp and how the Nazis used it to kill millions of prisoners, most of whom were Jews. You can pick from tours with hotel pickup from Krakow Center or ones with private vehicle transfers and optional meals. Some tours also include a Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tour.
When was Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial established?
Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial was established two years after the liberation of Auschwitz in 1947 by the Polish government.
