What was Mauthausen and where was it located?

Mauthausen was a Nazi concentration camp situated on a hill above the market town of Mauthausen in Upper Austria. It was located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Linz. This camp served as the primary site within a larger complex that included nearly 100 subcamps spread across Austria and southern Germany.

When did the Mauthausen concentration camp operate, and who liberated it?

The Mauthausen main camp was operational from August 8, 1938, shortly after the German annexation of Austria, until its liberation by the United States Army between May 3 and May 6, 1945.

What was the scale of the Mauthausen camp complex?

Mauthausen was the main camp of a vast network. It had nearly 100 further subcamps located throughout Austria and southern Germany, making it one of the largest concentration camp complexes established by Nazi Germany.

How did the Gusen concentration camps relate to the Mauthausen complex?

The three Gusen concentration camps, located in and around the village of St. Georgen an der Gusen, were a significant part of the Mauthausen-Gusen camp complex. At times, the number of prisoners held in the Gusen camps exceeded that of the Mauthausen main camp itself.

What was the approximate number of inmates and fatalities at Mauthausen and its subcamps?

The Mauthausen camp complex held approximately 190,000 inmates throughout its operation. Tragically, more than 90,000 of these individuals died either at the main Mauthausen camp or within its numerous subcamps.

What kind of labor were prisoners forced to perform at Mauthausen?

Inmates at Mauthausen and its subcamps were subjected to slave labor. This work included quarrying stone, manufacturing munitions, working in mines, operating arms factories, and assembling Messerschmitt Me 262 fighter aircraft.

How did the conditions at Mauthausen compare to other Nazi concentration camps?

The conditions at Mauthausen were reportedly even more severe than those at most other Nazi concentration camps, contributing to its exceptionally high mortality rate.

When was the main Mauthausen camp established, and what was the initial purpose of the prisoners sent there?

The Mauthausen main camp began construction on August 9, 1938, when prisoners from Dachau concentration camp were sent to build a new slave labor camp. Initially, Mauthausen served as a strictly-run prison camp for common criminals and other 'Incorrigible Law Offenders' before being converted to a labor camp for political prisoners on May 8, 1939.

What was the significance of the granite quarries near Mauthausen?

The granite from the nearby Wiener-Graben quarry was a key factor in the site's selection. This granite had previously been used for paving Vienna's streets, but Nazi authorities planned to use vast quantities for rebuilding major German towns according to Nazi architectural plans.

Which companies were involved in the funding and operation of the Mauthausen camp?

The Mauthausen camp was founded by the DEST (Deutsche Erd- und Steinwerke GmbH) company, led by SS official Oswald Pohl. Funding came from commercial loans from Dresdner Bank and Böhmische Escompte-Bank, the 'Reinhardt's fund' (stolen inmate assets), and the German Red Cross. Numerous other companies, including Accumulatoren-Fabrik AFA, Bayer, Eisenwerke Oberdonau, Heinkel, Messerschmitt, and Steyr-Daimler-Puch, utilized slave labor from Mauthausen and its subcamps.

How did the Gusen camps develop, and what was their significance?

DEST began acquiring land in Sankt Georgen an der Gusen in May 1938. Inmates from Mauthausen initially marched daily to the Gusen quarries, which were more productive than the Wienergraben Quarry. Following the invasion of Poland in 1939, Mauthausen became overcrowded, leading to the construction of a new camp in Gusen (later Gusen I), which became operational in May 1940. Gusen I held a significant proportion of the complex's prisoners, often exceeding the main camp's population.

What were Gusen II and Gusen III?

Gusen II was established in March 1944, converting the former SS depot into an improvised concentration camp with 12,000 to 17,000 inmates. Gusen III opened in December 1944 in Lungitz, utilizing parts of a factory infrastructure. These camps, along with Gusen I, housed a substantial number of prisoners within the Mauthausen complex.

What was the geographical extent of the Mauthausen subcamps by the end of the war?

By the end of the war, the Mauthausen subcamp system comprised 101 camps, including 49 major subcamps. These extended across most of modern Austria, from Mittersill in the south to Schwechat east of Vienna, and from Passau on the German border to the Loibl Pass on the Yugoslavian border.

What were the different categories of Mauthausen subcamps?

The subcamps were categorized based on their primary function: 'Produktionslager' for factory workers, 'Baulager' for construction, 'Aufräumlager' for clearing rubble in bombed towns, and 'Kleinlager' for work specifically for the SS.

How did Mauthausen's production output compare to other major Nazi slave labor centers?

The production output and profits generated by Mauthausen and its subcamps surpassed those of other major slave labor centers like Auschwitz-Birkenau, Flossenbürg, Gross-Rosen, Marburg, and Natzweiler-Struthof.

What was the purpose of the underground factories built by prisoners at Gusen?

Underground factories were constructed in Gusen to protect production from Allied strategic bombing. These included tunnels for Messerschmitt to assemble Me 262 fighter aircraft and V-2 rockets, as well as facilities for other war materials, with the 'Bergkristall' project alone digging 50,000 square meters for these purposes.

What was the estimated profit generated by Mauthausen and its subcamps in 1944?

In 1944 alone, Mauthausen and its subcamps generated over 11 million Reichsmarks in profits, which is equivalent to approximately 86.7 million Euros in 2021, highlighting its significant economic role for Nazi Germany.

How did the Nazis initially deal with prisoners who were too sick to work?

Initially, prisoners too sick to work (known as 'Muselmänner') were transferred to other concentration camps for extermination, primarily the Hartheim Euthanasia Centre, or were killed by lethal injection and cremated locally. This system proved too costly as the number of prisoners grew.

When did Mauthausen begin using gas chambers, and what types were employed?

From 1940 onwards, Mauthausen became one of the few camps in the West to regularly use a gas chamber. Initially, an improvised mobile gas chamber, a van with its exhaust pipe connected inside, was used between Mauthausen and Gusen, capable of killing about 120 prisoners at a time. Later, a permanent gas chamber was established beneath the Arrest Block and Infirmary Block.

What were the primary groups of inmates at Mauthausen in its early years?

Until early 1940, the largest groups of inmates consisted of German, Austrian, and Czechoslovak socialists, communists, homosexuals, anarchists, and people of Romani origin. Jehovah's Witnesses were also imprisoned for refusing loyalty oaths to Hitler and military service.

What significant groups of prisoners arrived at Mauthausen in 1940 and later?

In early 1940, many Poles, including artists, scientists, and professors arrested during 'Intelligenzaktion' and 'AB Action', were transferred to Mauthausen-Gusen. Later, large numbers of Spanish Republicans, Soviet POWs, and in 1944, Hungarian and Dutch Jews arrived. Civilians arrested after the Warsaw Uprising were also sent in the final months of the war.

What was the significance of Gusen II being called 'Vernichtungslager für die polnische Intelligenz'?

Gusen II was referred to by the Germans as 'Vernichtungslager für die polnische Intelligenz,' meaning 'Extermination camp for the Polish intelligentsia.' This designation highlights the specific targeting and extermination of educated Poles within this part of the camp complex.

How did the treatment of prisoners vary within the Mauthausen system?

Treatment varied based on the prisoner's assigned category, nationality, and rank within the camp hierarchy. 'Kapo' prisoners, who policed fellow inmates, received better food, pay, and separate rooms. These 'kapos' often formed the 'Prominents' group, receiving preferential treatment compared to the average inmate.

Describe the 'Stairs of Death' and the 'Parachutists Wall' at Mauthausen.

The 'Stairs of Death' referred to the 186 steps prisoners had to carry heavy granite blocks up from the quarry. Exhausted prisoners collapsing on these stairs could cause a domino effect, leading to falls. The 'Parachutists Wall' was a cliff edge where guards forced prisoners, after enduring the 'Stairs of Death,' to choose between being shot or pushing the prisoner in front of them off the cliff.

What was the daily food ration like for inmates, and how did it change over time?

Food rations were severely limited. In 1940-1942, an average inmate weighed only 40 kg (88 lb). The daily energy content dropped from about 1,750 calories to 1,150-1,460 calories, and by 1945, it was as low as 600-1,000 calories, less than a third of what a heavy industry worker needed, leading to widespread starvation.

What methods of extermination were used at Mauthausen besides the gas chambers?

Besides gas chambers, prisoners were exterminated through beatings by guards and kapos, starvation in bunkers, hangings, mass shootings, being thrown onto electric barbed wire fences, being shot while allegedly attempting escape, and dying from hypothermia after forced icy showers. Drowning in barrels of water was also practiced at Gusen II.

What kind of pseudo-scientific experiments were conducted on prisoners at Mauthausen?

Doctors like Sigbert Ramsauer, Karl Josef Gross, Eduard Krebsbach, and Aribert Heim ('Doctor Death') conducted pseudo-scientific experiments on prisoners. Heim, for instance, carried out his experiments during a seven-week period at Gusen.

What was the estimated life expectancy for new prisoners at Gusen?

According to Kapo and resistance member Hans Maršálek, the average life expectancy for newly arrived prisoners in Gusen varied significantly. It was estimated at six months between 1940 and 1942, but decreased to less than three months by early 1945 due to worsening conditions.

How did the development of forced labor industries impact some prisoners' situations?

Paradoxically, the growth of forced labor industries led to an improvement for some prisoners. Skilled specialists were in demand, and while brutality continued, the ability to receive food parcels from families allowed many to survive starvation and even help other prisoners who lacked external support.

What was the 'Mühlviertler Hasenjagd' (Hare Hunt)?

The 'Mühlviertler Hasenjagd' was a Nazi war crime that occurred in February 1945 at Mauthausen. Approximately 500 escaped prisoners, primarily Soviet officers, were hunted down and murdered by SS guards, local law enforcement, and civilians.

Why is the exact death toll at Mauthausen difficult to calculate?

The precise death toll is hard to determine because Nazi officials destroyed many camp files and often assigned new prisoners the camp numbers of those already killed. Additionally, some inmates from Gusen were murdered at Mauthausen, and many were transferred to other locations like Hartheim Castle.

What happened to the camp after its liberation by the US Army?

After liberation, Mauthausen fell within the Soviet sector of occupied Austria. The Soviets used parts of the camp as barracks, dismantled underground factories for reparations, and later blew up the tunnels. The camp was eventually handed over to Austrian civilian authorities in 1947.

When was Mauthausen declared a national memorial site, and when did the museum officially open?

Mauthausen was declared a national memorial site in 1949. The Mauthausen Museum was officially opened by Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky on May 3, 1975, marking the 30th anniversary of the camp's liberation.

What is the 'Mauthausen Trilogy'?

The 'Mauthausen Trilogy,' also known as 'The Ballad of Mauthausen,' is a cycle of four arias composed by Mikis Theodorakis, with lyrics based on poems by Mauthausen survivor Iakovos Kambanellis.

What role did Francisco Boix play in documenting the atrocities at Mauthausen?

Francisco Boix, a Spanish photographer and prisoner, smuggled out approximately 3,000 negatives from the camp's photography lab. He later used this photographic evidence to testify about the horrors committed within the camp walls at the Nuremberg trials.

What was the significance of the 'Appellplatz' at Mauthausen?

The 'Appellplatz' was the roll call area at the Mauthausen main camp. It was a central location where prisoners were assembled for roll calls, inspections, and often subjected to abuse or public punishment.

How many subcamps were associated with Mauthausen, and what was their geographical distribution?

By the end of the war, there were 101 subcamps associated with Mauthausen, including 49 major ones. These subcamps were spread across most of modern Austria, from Mittersill in the south to Schwechat near Vienna, and from Passau on the German border to the Loibl Pass on the border with Yugoslavia.

What types of companies utilized slave labor from Mauthausen and its subcamps?

A wide range of companies, from large national corporations to smaller local firms, utilized slave labor from Mauthausen. These included companies involved in quarrying and construction (DEST, Deutsche Bergwerks- und Hüttenbau), manufacturing (AFA batteries, Bayer medicines, Mauser pistols, Nibelungenwerk tanks, Rax-Werke machinery), and aviation (Flugmotorenwerke Ostmark, Heinkel, Messerschmitt).

What was the 'Wiener Graben' quarry's role in the Mauthausen camp's operation?

The Wiener Graben quarry was one of the primary sites where prisoners were forced into slave labor. The granite extracted from this quarry was used for various construction projects, including the rebuilding of German towns envisioned by Nazi architects.

How did the Nazi regime attempt to conceal evidence of their crimes at Mauthausen?

In an effort to cover up war atrocities, Nazi officials destroyed many of the camp's files and records. They also frequently allocated the camp numbers of deceased prisoners to new arrivals, further complicating the accurate calculation of the death toll.

What was the 'Mauthausen Trilogy' and its significance?

The 'Mauthausen Trilogy,' also known as 'The Ballad of Mauthausen,' is a musical work composed by Mikis Theodorakis, set to poems by Iakovos Kambanellis, a survivor of the Mauthausen concentration camp. It serves as a powerful artistic testament to the suffering and resilience experienced at the camp.

What role did the SS Main Economic and Administrative Office (WVHA) play in the Mauthausen complex?

The SS Main Economic and Administrative Office (WVHA), headed by Oswald Pohl, was instrumental in the establishment and operation of Mauthausen. It oversaw the DEST company, which managed the quarries and camp construction, integrating the camp into the SS's economic enterprises.

What were the conditions like in the 'Zeltlager' (tent camp) outside Mauthausen?

The 'Zeltlager' was a tent camp established near Mauthausen for newly arrived prisoners. It was severely overcrowded, with approximately 2,000 people forced into tents designed for only 800, leading to many deaths from starvation and exposure.

What was the 'Mauthausen-Gusen camp trials'?

The Mauthausen-Gusen camp trials were a series of military tribunals conducted by the Dachau International Military Tribunal after the war. These trials prosecuted SS personnel and collaborators responsible for crimes committed at the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp complex, with testimony from survivors like OSS officer Jack Taylor.

What was the 'Englandspiel' and its connection to Mauthausen?

The 'Englandspiel' was a German counter-intelligence operation during World War II. Some of the executed SOE agents involved in this operation were buried in the Mauthausen concentration camp, marked by memorial plaques behind the Prison Block.

How did the Mauthausen Memorial site remain largely intact after the war?

While parts of the Gusen subcamps were built over with residential areas, the Mauthausen main camp site remained largely intact. This preservation allows for the site to function as a museum and memorial, preserving the historical context of the camp's operations and atrocities.

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The Mauthausen Complex

Core Camp

Mauthausen was a Nazi concentration camp situated on a hill above the market town of Mauthausen, Upper Austria. It served as the central hub for a vast network of nearly 100 subcamps spread across Austria and southern Germany.

Operational Period

The main camp at Mauthausen operated from August 1938 until its liberation by the United States Army in May 1945, marking it as one of the earliest and last concentration camps to be liberated by the Allies.

Inmate Demographics

The camp primarily held political prisoners, Jews, and Soviet prisoners of war. Over its operational years, approximately 190,000 individuals were deported to Mauthausen and its subcamps.

The Network of Camps

Mauthausen Main Camp

Established in August 1938, the main camp was built by prisoners transferred from Dachau. Its strategic location near granite quarries and Linz made it a crucial site for slave labor.

Gusen Subcamps

The Gusen camps (Gusen I, II, and III), located near St. Georgen an der Gusen, were integral to the Mauthausen complex. At times, Gusen held more prisoners than the main Mauthausen camp itself, playing a significant role in industrial production.

Extensive Subcamp System

By the war's end, the Mauthausen system comprised 101 camps, including 49 major subcamps. These extended across much of modern Austria, from Mittersill to Schwechat, and from Passau to the Loibl Pass, serving various industrial and construction purposes.

Forced Labor and Industry

Economic Enterprise

Mauthausen and its subcamps were highly profitable for Nazi Germany, exceeding the output of other major concentration camp centers. The DEST (Deutsche Erd- und Steinwerke GmbH) company was central to quarrying operations.

Industrial Contributions

Inmates were forced into slave labor for numerous companies, including munitions factories, mines, arms manufacturers, and assembly plants for aircraft like the Messerschmitt Me 262. Underground facilities were constructed to protect production from Allied bombing.

Companies utilizing Mauthausen slave labor included:

DEST (bricks and stone for construction)
Accumulatoren-Fabrik AFA (batteries for U-boats)
Bayer (medicines)
Eisenwerke Oberdonau (steel for Panzer tanks)
Flugmotorenwerke Ostmark (aircraft engines)
Nibelungenwerk (tank factory)
Heinkel and Messerschmitt (aircraft and V-2 rocket factories)
Steyr-Daimler-Puch (arms and vehicles)
Hochtief (tunnel construction)

Brutality of Labor

Conditions were exceptionally severe, with prisoners suffering from malnutrition, exhaustion, and constant abuse. The mortality rate was extremely high, particularly in the quarries and during harsh winter conditions.

Command and Control

Camp Commandants

Albert Sauer initially oversaw the camp's establishment from August 1938 to February 1939. Franz Ziereis assumed command from 1939 until the camp's liberation in May 1945.

SS and Guard Structure

The camp was guarded by the SS-Totenkopfverbände (Death's Head Units). Georg Bachmayer, an SS captain, led the units responsible for guarding the camp perimeter and work detachments.

Female Personnel

While primarily a male labor camp, a women's camp was established in September 1944. Known female overseers served in Mauthausen and its subcamps, including Hirtenberg, Lenzing, and Sankt Lambrecht.

Liberation and Aftermath

Allied Arrival

On May 5, 1945, soldiers from the U.S. Army's 11th Armored Division, Third United States Army, reached Mauthausen. By this time, many guards had fled, and some remaining SS personnel were killed by prisoners.

Final Days

In the final months, prisoners faced catastrophic food shortages and mass exterminations to make space for evacuation transports. Resistance efforts were organized by inmates in anticipation of liberation or SS attempts to eliminate all remaining prisoners.

Postwar Justice

Survivors like Jack Taylor and Simon Wiesenthal provided crucial testimony at the Mauthausen-Gusen camp trials conducted by the Dachau International Military Tribunal. Francesc Boix smuggled photographic evidence used in the Nuremberg trials.

Preserving Memory

Mauthausen Memorial Site

Declared a national memorial site in 1949, Mauthausen was officially opened as a museum in 1975. The site remains largely intact, serving as a crucial center for historical education and remembrance.

Cultural Impact

The "Mauthausen Trilogy" by Mikis Theodorakis, based on poems by survivor Iakovos Kambanellis, and films like "The Photographer of Mauthausen" serve as powerful cultural testaments to the camp's history and the resilience of its victims.

International Recognition

The Mauthausen Memorial is recognized globally for its role in Holocaust remembrance. The site continues to host educational programs and commemorations, ensuring the lessons of Mauthausen are not forgotten.

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References

Haunschmied, Mills & Witzany-Durda (2008), pp. 172â175.

Haunschmied, Mills & Witzany-Durda (2008), pp. 45â48.

MarÅ¡Ã¡lek (1968), p. 32; as cited in: Dobosiewicz (2000), pp. 192â193.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mauthausen concentration camp Wikipedia page

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Educational Context

This content has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data from Wikipedia and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Mauthausen concentration camp complex.

This is not a substitute for professional historical or academic research. The information presented should be critically evaluated and cross-referenced with authoritative sources. The AI and platform are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on this information.

Content Warning: The subject matter involves historical atrocities and may contain sensitive or disturbing details.

Mauthausen: A Legacy of Remembrance

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Mauthausen Complex 📍

🏰 Core Camp

⏳ Operational Period

👥 Inmate Demographics

The Network of Camps 🔗

🏗️ Mauthausen Main Camp

⛰️ Gusen Subcamps

🗺️ Extensive Subcamp System

Forced Labor and Industry ⚙️

💰 Economic Enterprise

🏭 Industrial Contributions

💀 Brutality of Labor

Command and Control 👮

👨‍✈️ Camp Commandants

🛡️ SS and Guard Structure

👩‍⚖️ Female Personnel

Liberation and Aftermath 🕊️

🇺🇸 Allied Arrival

🔥 Final Days

⚖️ Postwar Justice

Preserving Memory 🏛️

🏛️ Mauthausen Memorial Site

📚 Cultural Impact

🌍 International Recognition

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Important Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Educational Context

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Mauthausen Complex

Core Camp

Operational Period

Inmate Demographics

The Network of Camps

Mauthausen Main Camp

Gusen Subcamps

Extensive Subcamp System

Forced Labor and Industry

Economic Enterprise

Industrial Contributions

Brutality of Labor

Command and Control

Camp Commandants

SS and Guard Structure

Female Personnel

Liberation and Aftermath

Allied Arrival

Final Days

Postwar Justice

Preserving Memory

Mauthausen Memorial Site

Cultural Impact

International Recognition

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Disclaimer

Educational Context