| Popis: |
The first chapter introduces the case studies of Neuengamme, Natzweiler-Struthof, and Vught in their respective wartime contexts of Germany, Alsace, and the Netherlands. It traces through the ways in which the outside world remained connected to the camps in each of the three locations. It highlights how camps were accommodated in host localities via administrative and economic processes, how they offered employment and trading opportunities, how the violence that was perpetrated was visible and audible in local spaces beyond the perimeters of the camp, and how local inhabitants tried to help prisoners. The chapter discusses the different motivational forces for civilians becoming involved and highlights the importance of situational factors. It concludes by examining the (unusually collective) ‘help actions’ which were coordinated by a pro-active number of individuals at Vught on behalf of prisoners. |
