concentration camp Konzentrationslager (KZ):

were prisons used without regard to accepted norms of arrest and detention. They were an essential part of Nazi systematic oppression. Initially (1933-36), they were used primarily for political prisoners.Later (1936-42), concentration camps were expanded and non-politicalprisoners--Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, and Poles--were also incarcerated.In the last period of the Nazi regime (1942-45), prisoners of concentrationcamps were forced to work in the armament industry, as more and moreGermans were fighting in the war.Living conditions varied considerably from camp to camp and over time. The worst conditions took place from 1936-42, especially after the war brokeout. Death, disease, starvation, crowded and unsanitary conditions, andtorture were a daily part of concentration camps.

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