Helena Frye
In 1938, the Nazi regime intensified its campaign of persecution and incarceration with the establishment of several concentration camps across Germany and its annexed territories. Among the most notable camps opened that year were Buchenwald, located near Weimar, and Flossenbürg, situated in Bavaria. Buchenwald, initially intended for political prisoners, quickly became one of the largest and most notorious camps, housing over 250,000 prisoners during its existence. Flossenbürg, built in a remote area, was primarily used for forced labor, with prisoners subjected to grueling work in nearby quarries and factories. These camps, along with others opened in 1938, marked a significant escalation in the Nazis' systematic oppression and exploitation of targeted groups, including Jews, political dissidents, and other minorities, as the regime solidified its control and laid the groundwork for the horrors of the Holocaust.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Camps | Flossenbürg, Mauthausen |
| Location | Flossenbürg (Bavaria, Germany), Mauthausen (Upper Austria, Austria) |
| Opening Year | 1938 |
| Purpose | Forced labor, political imprisonment, persecution of minorities |
| Initial Capacity | Flossenbürg: ~3,000 prisoners, Mauthausen: ~5,000 prisoners |
| Key Industries | Flossenbürg: Granite quarrying, Mauthausen: Granite quarrying, armaments |
| Notable Prisoners | Flossenbürg: Kurt Schumacher, Mauthausen: Simon Wiesenthal |
| Liberation Date | Flossenbürg: April 23, 1945, Mauthausen: May 5, 1945 |
| Estimated Deaths | Flossenbürg: ~30,000, Mauthausen: ~90,000-120,000 |
| Current Status | Both serve as memorials and museums |
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What You'll Learn
- Dachau Expansion: Dachau's capacity increased significantly in 1938 to hold more political prisoners
- Sachsenhausen Opening: Sachsenhausen concentration camp opened near Berlin in July 1938
- Flossenbürg Establishment: Flossenbürg camp was established in northeast Bavaria in May 1938
- Buchenwald Construction: Construction of Buchenwald camp began in July 1937, opened in 1938
- Neuengamme Origins: Neuengamme camp near Hamburg was founded as a subcamp in 1938
Dachau Expansion: Dachau's capacity increased significantly in 1938 to hold more political prisoners
In 1938, the Dachau concentration camp underwent a significant expansion, reflecting the escalating political repression in Nazi Germany. This enlargement was not merely a structural change but a strategic move to accommodate the growing number of political prisoners targeted by the regime. The increase in capacity mirrored the intensification of Hitler’s consolidation of power, as dissenters, intellectuals, and opponents were systematically silenced. Dachau, established in 1933, became a central hub for incarcerating those deemed threats to the Nazi ideology, and its expansion in 1938 marked a turning point in the camp’s role within the broader system of terror.
The expansion of Dachau involved both physical and administrative changes. Barracks were added to house thousands more prisoners, and the camp’s infrastructure was upgraded to support the increased population. Notably, the camp’s perimeter was extended, and security measures were tightened to prevent escapes and maintain order. This was not just about holding more bodies; it was about creating an environment of fear and control. The regime’s goal was clear: to crush political opposition by demonstrating the consequences of defiance. For prisoners, the expansion meant even more overcrowding, harsher conditions, and a heightened sense of isolation from the outside world.
Analyzing the timing of Dachau’s expansion reveals its alignment with broader political events. By 1938, Nazi Germany had annexed Austria, and tensions with Czechoslovakia were escalating, leading to the Munich Agreement later that year. Internally, the regime sought to eliminate any potential resistance as it prepared for further territorial expansion. The increased capacity at Dachau was a preemptive measure, ensuring that the camp could handle the influx of political prisoners resulting from intensified crackdowns. This strategic foresight underscores the calculated nature of Nazi policies, where repression was not reactive but proactive.
For historians and educators, understanding Dachau’s 1938 expansion offers critical insights into the mechanics of totalitarian regimes. It serves as a case study in how physical spaces are weaponized to enforce ideological conformity. Practically, this knowledge can inform modern discussions on human rights and the dangers of unchecked authoritarianism. Visitors to Dachau today can observe the remnants of this expansion, which stand as a stark reminder of the camp’s evolving role in the Nazi apparatus. By examining this specific moment, we gain a deeper appreciation of the systematic nature of oppression and the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic values.
Finally, the Dachau expansion of 1938 serves as a cautionary tale about the incremental nature of tyranny. It was not a sudden transformation but a deliberate, step-by-step process that normalized extreme measures. For contemporary audiences, this history underscores the need to recognize and resist early signs of authoritarianism, whether in policy changes, rhetoric, or the erosion of civil liberties. Dachau’s expanded capacity was not just about holding more prisoners—it was about sending a message: dissent would not be tolerated. This lesson remains as relevant today as it was in 1938.
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Sachsenhausen Opening: Sachsenhausen concentration camp opened near Berlin in July 1938
The year 1938 marked a significant escalation in the Nazi regime's establishment of concentration camps, with several new facilities opening across Germany. Among these, Sachsenhausen, located near Berlin, stands out as a pivotal example. Its opening in July 1938 was not merely an administrative event but a chilling expansion of the Third Reich's machinery of oppression. Designed to incarcerate political opponents, Jews, and other "undesirable" groups, Sachsenhausen quickly became a symbol of terror and a training ground for SS personnel who would later staff camps across occupied Europe.
Geographically, Sachsenhausen's proximity to Berlin was no accident. Its location allowed for easy access to the capital, facilitating the transport of prisoners and the oversight of camp operations by high-ranking officials. The camp's construction followed a standardized design, featuring barracks, administrative buildings, and a roll-call square, all enclosed by electrified fences and watchtowers. This layout was not just functional but also psychological, intended to dehumanize and control inmates from the moment they arrived. The camp's motto, *"Arbeit macht frei"* ("Work sets you free"), mocked the prisoners' plight, as labor often led to exhaustion, injury, or death.
Analytically, Sachsenhausen's opening in 1938 reflects the Nazi regime's shift from sporadic persecution to systematic repression. By mid-1938, the Nazis had consolidated power and were openly preparing for war, viewing concentration camps as essential tools for both internal control and external aggression. Sachsenhausen, in particular, served as a model for future camps, with its efficient organization and brutal discipline. It also became a site for medical experiments and forced labor, foreshadowing the horrors of the Holocaust. Understanding this context is crucial for grasping the camp's role in the broader Nazi apparatus.
Practically, Sachsenhausen's opening had immediate and long-term consequences for its prisoners. Inmates faced grueling labor, malnutrition, and arbitrary violence, with mortality rates soaring. For historians and educators, the camp's early years offer a window into the evolution of Nazi terror tactics. Visitors to the memorial site today can observe the reconstructed barracks, execution trenches, and crematorium, which serve as stark reminders of the camp's atrocities. Engaging with these physical remnants fosters a deeper understanding of the human cost of totalitarianism and the importance of remembrance.
In conclusion, the opening of Sachsenhausen in July 1938 was a turning point in the history of Nazi concentration camps. Its strategic location, standardized design, and operational brutality set a precedent for future camps and underscored the regime's escalating brutality. By examining Sachsenhausen's early years, we not only honor the victims but also gain critical insights into the mechanisms of oppression and the enduring need for vigilance against such atrocities.
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Flossenbürg Establishment: Flossenbürg camp was established in northeast Bavaria in May 1938
The establishment of Flossenbürg concentration camp in May 1938 marked a significant expansion of the Nazi regime's terror network, strategically located in northeast Bavaria. This camp was not merely another addition to the growing list of concentration camps; its inception was part of a calculated effort to exploit forced labor for the German war machine. Situated near the Czech border, Flossenbürg’s remote location ensured isolation, minimizing escape attempts and external scrutiny. Its primary purpose was to provide labor for nearby granite quarries, a resource deemed essential for monumental Nazi architecture projects. This dual function—punishment and production—set Flossenbürg apart from earlier camps focused solely on political repression.
Analyzing the timing of Flossenbürg’s establishment reveals its alignment with broader Nazi objectives in 1938. This year saw the annexation of Austria (*Anschluss*) and the escalation of anti-Jewish policies, culminating in the *Kristallnacht* pogrom. Flossenbürg’s opening coincided with these events, reflecting the regime’s intensifying efforts to consolidate power and eliminate dissent. The camp’s initial inmates were primarily political prisoners, including communists, socialists, and trade unionists, whose imprisonment served as a warning to potential opponents of the Nazi regime. Over time, the camp’s population diversified to include Jews, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and prisoners of war, mirroring the expanding scope of Nazi persecution.
Instructively, Flossenbürg’s design and operation offer insights into the systematic brutality of the concentration camp system. The camp’s layout included barracks, administrative buildings, and a crematorium, all surrounded by electrified fences and guard towers. Prisoners endured 12- to 14-hour workdays in the quarries, often in harsh weather conditions, with minimal food and medical care. Mortality rates were staggering, driven by exhaustion, malnutrition, and disease. By 1943, the camp expanded to include subcamps, further dispersing forced labor to support arms production. This evolution underscores the Nazis’ relentless exploitation of human lives for their militaristic ambitions.
Persuasively, Flossenbürg’s legacy demands recognition as a site of both horror and resistance. Despite unimaginable hardships, prisoners organized acts of defiance, from sabotage in the quarries to clandestine cultural activities. The camp also became a final resting place for prominent figures, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian and resistance member executed in April 1945. Today, Flossenbürg serves as a memorial and museum, educating visitors about the atrocities committed there. Its preservation is a testament to the importance of remembering the past to prevent such crimes from recurring.
Comparatively, Flossenbürg’s establishment in 1938 distinguishes it from earlier camps like Dachau (1933) and later ones like Auschwitz (1940). While Dachau was a prototype for the concentration camp system, Flossenbürg represented a maturation of Nazi strategies, integrating forced labor into the regime’s economic and military goals. Unlike Auschwitz, which became synonymous with mass extermination, Flossenbürg’s primary function was exploitation, though thousands still perished there. This distinction highlights the multifaceted nature of the Nazi camp system, where each camp played a unique role in the regime’s genocidal machinery.
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Buchenwald Construction: Construction of Buchenwald camp began in July 1937, opened in 1938
The year 1938 marked a significant escalation in the Nazi regime's establishment of concentration camps, with several key facilities opening their gates to prisoners. Among these, Buchenwald stands out not only for its scale and brutality but also for its construction timeline, which began in July 1937, nearly a year before its official opening. This early start highlights the methodical planning and resource allocation the Nazis dedicated to their camp system, even as they publicly maintained a façade of normalcy. Buchenwald’s construction was a state-sponsored project, utilizing forced labor from the outset, foreshadowing the camp’s later role as a site of exploitation and death.
Analyzing the construction process reveals a chilling efficiency. The site, located near Weimar, was chosen for its proximity to transportation routes and a nearby quarry, ensuring a steady supply of labor and materials. Prisoners from other camps, such as Sachsenhausen, were transferred to begin the grueling work of building barracks, watchtowers, and fences. The use of inmate labor not only reduced costs but also served as a form of punishment, with prisoners working under inhumane conditions. By the time Buchenwald opened in 1938, it was already a fully operational camp, designed to house thousands of political prisoners, criminals, and so-called “undesirables.”
From a practical standpoint, the construction of Buchenwald offers insights into the logistical challenges of building a concentration camp. The Nazis prioritized speed and functionality, often at the expense of the workers’ lives. For instance, the barracks were constructed with minimal insulation, making them ill-suited for the harsh German winters. This deliberate oversight was not an accident but a calculated decision to further debilitate the prisoners. Modern historians and architects studying the camp’s layout note the stark contrast between the orderly, grid-like design and the chaos of life within its walls.
Persuasively, Buchenwald’s construction timeline serves as a stark reminder of the Nazi regime’s foresight in institutionalizing terror. While 1938 is often remembered for the Anschluss with Austria and the Kristallnacht pogrom, the opening of Buchenwald underscores the simultaneous expansion of the concentration camp system. This was not a reactive measure but a proactive step in consolidating power and eliminating dissent. The camp’s early construction and opening were part of a broader strategy to normalize repression, making it a critical case study for understanding the mechanics of totalitarian regimes.
Descriptively, the completed Buchenwald camp was a sprawling complex of over 130 buildings by the end of its construction phase. Its iconic gatehouse, bearing the cynical motto “Jedem das Seine” (“To each his own”), became a symbol of the camp’s iron-fisted rule. The surrounding landscape, once a tranquil forest, was transformed into a zone of death, with watchtowers and barbed wire dominating the horizon. For the prisoners who arrived in 1938, Buchenwald was not just a place of confinement but a meticulously designed environment of dehumanization, where every aspect of life was controlled and exploited.
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Neuengamme Origins: Neuengamme camp near Hamburg was founded as a subcamp in 1938
The year 1938 marked a significant expansion of the Nazi concentration camp system, with several new camps established to accommodate the regime's escalating persecution policies. Among these, Neuengamme, located near Hamburg, stands out as a prime example of the system's evolution from punitive detention to forced labor exploitation. Initially founded as a subcamp of Sachsenhausen in 1938, Neuengamme’s origins reflect the strategic shift toward utilizing camp prisoners as a slave labor force for industrial and infrastructure projects. This transition was driven by economic motives as much as ideological ones, as the Nazi regime sought to maximize the utility of its repressive apparatus.
To understand Neuengamme’s establishment, consider the broader context of 1938. The annexation of Austria (Anschluss) and the escalating persecution of Jews and political dissidents created a surge in arrests, overwhelming existing camps. Neuengamme’s creation was a direct response to this overcrowding, but it also served a specific purpose: to provide labor for the production of bricks, a critical material for Hitler’s architectural ambitions, including the rebuilding of Hamburg and the construction of military installations. The camp’s location near a brickworks factory was no coincidence—it ensured that prisoners could be exploited for maximum productivity while minimizing transportation costs.
The transformation of Neuengamme from a subcamp to an independent concentration camp in 1940 underscores its growing importance within the Nazi camp system. However, its origins in 1938 as a subcamp reveal the incremental nature of the regime’s terror infrastructure. Unlike larger camps established earlier, Neuengamme began modestly, with a focus on economic utility rather than mass extermination. This distinction is crucial: while Neuengamme would later become notorious for its brutal conditions and high death toll, its initial purpose was to serve as a labor camp, integrating prisoners into the war economy.
Practical insights into Neuengamme’s early years highlight the harsh realities of life within its walls. Prisoners, primarily political opponents and so-called “asocials,” worked 12-hour days in the brickworks under appalling conditions. Malnutrition, disease, and physical abuse were rampant, with mortality rates soaring. For historians and educators, examining Neuengamme’s origins offers a lens into the intersection of Nazi ideology, economic exploitation, and the gradual escalation of state-sponsored violence. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor expansions of the camp system were part of a larger, systematic effort to dehumanize and exploit targeted groups.
In conclusion, Neuengamme’s founding as a subcamp in 1938 encapsulates the dual nature of the Nazi concentration camp system: a tool for both repression and economic gain. Its establishment was not an isolated event but part of a calculated strategy to integrate forced labor into the regime’s war preparations. By studying Neuengamme’s origins, we gain a deeper understanding of how the camp system evolved, reflecting the broader trajectory of Nazi policies and their devastating human cost.
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Frequently asked questions
In 1938, the Nazis opened the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany and the Flossenbürg concentration camp, also in Germany.
Buchenwald concentration camp was located near Weimar, in central Germany.
Flossenbürg concentration camp was initially established to exploit forced labor for granite quarrying and later became a site of brutal imprisonment and extermination.
Shortly after its opening, Buchenwald held approximately 10,000 prisoners, primarily political opponents, Jews, and other targeted groups.
The opening of Buchenwald and Flossenbürg in 1938 marked a significant expansion of the Nazi concentration camp system, coinciding with increased persecution following the Anschluss and Kristallnacht.
