Uncovering the Hidden Horrors of the Nazi Concentration Camp Women’s History Nearly Erased
Ever stumbled upon a name in history that makes you think, “What on earth happened there?” That’s exactly how Ravensbrück lingered in the shadows of World War II stories for the longest time. This wasn’t just any concentration camp—it was the camp for women, but with all its files mysteriously burned and the territory locked away behind the Iron Curtain, the chilling tales inside remained hidden. So, who were these women, and why has Ravensbrück’s story only recently started to unwind? Imagine a grim mix of society’s outcasts alongside noble figures like former golf champions and countesses—all imprisoned and subjected to horrifying medical experiments that tested the limits of human endurance (and cruelty). And yet, amid such darkness, the spirit and resistance of these women flickered fiercely. Curious to dive deeper into this lesser-known—and frankly, jaw-dropping—chapter of history? LEARN MORE.
For a long time, World War II historians came across the name Ravensbrück but didn’t know what went on in the German concentration camp.
All of the documents about Ravensbrück, the camp for women, were burned before the end of the war. After the war, the area was under the control of the Soviet Union. Now, after researchers have tracked down survivors and visited the site, we know that it was opened in 1939 and housed women deemed prostitutes, criminals, minorities, or who had opposed Hitler.
One survivor wrote in her account, “Among the prisoners were ‘the cream of Europe’s women.’”
