State Historical Society of Iowa

German People of Nordhausen Digging Mass Graves for Concentration Camp Victims, April 1945

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Image shows people in Germany digging mass graves for people killed in a concentration camp.
Courtesy of Library of Congress, "German people of Nordhausen ... digging graves for the mass burial of dead prisoners from the concentration camp ... / Driza.," April 1945

Description 

This photograph shows residents of Nordhausen, Germany, digging mass graves for prisoners that were murdered in a concentration camp. The photo was taken April 1945 by a member of the U.S. Army, which liberated the camp. 

Source-Dependent Questions

  • Describe what is happening in this photo. What is the photographer trying to convey in this image?
  • This photo was taken after the liberation of this concentration camp, meaning it was freed by U.S. Soldiers. The men in the civilian clothing are residents of Nordhausen, Germany, where the concentration camp was located. What are they doing? Why would the men who live in this town carry out this task?
  • After looking at this image, read the telegram from Gerhart Riegner. What is similar between both sources? Use evidence to support your answers.

Citation Information 

"German people of Nordhausen ... digging graves for the mass burial of dead prisoners from the concentration camp ... / Driza.," April 1945. Courtesy of Library of Congress