What was the primary purpose of Auschwitz during the Holocaust?

To imprison and murder Jews and other groups

Besides Jews, which other groups were imprisoned at Auschwitz?

Non-Jewish Poles, Roma and Sinti, and others

Prisoners were forced into overcrowded rail cars without food or water, often for days, leading to many deaths during transport.

To determine who would be used for forced labor and who would be immediately murdered.

Grade 8th Grade · Social Studies · 45 min

I can describe the significance of Auschwitz as a Holocaust site.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum · 3:44

What Was Auschwitz? | Holocaust Explainer

3 key concepts

1
Auschwitz was the largest Nazi camp complex, including a concentration camp, forced labor camp, and killing center.
2
Between 1940 and 1945, Nazis deported at least 1.3 million people to Auschwitz, located in Nazi-occupied Poland.
3
Upon arrival, Nazis selected some prisoners for forced labor, while most Jews were forced into gas chambers and murdered; their bodies were then burned in crematoria.

11 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

Quick comprehension check

“Describe three reasons why Auschwitz is a significant site in the history of the Holocaust.”

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