Forced Labor 1933-1939 - Museum Forced Labor Under National Socialism

Forced Labor before the War

Under National Socialism, work did not mean the same thing for everyone.
National Socialist social hierarchies categorized people as members of what propaganda called the "Volksgemeinschaft" ("people’s community") and individuals who were to be excluded from this community on the basis of politics or race.
Anyone who was not part of the "people’s community" faced social isolation, violence, and imprisonment. Often those excluded were forced to perform humiliating work. The work of "Aryan" Germans, in contrast, was considered an honourable service to the German people.

Members of the Reich Labour Service at the NSDAP party conference in Nuremberg are standing in rank and file on the grounds. Nazi flags can be seen in the background.

“Work ennobles” Work as an “honorable service to the German people“

Every German was expected to contribute to the "Volksgemeinschaft" (“people’s community”) through some form of work.

An iron camp gate can be seen. At the top of the door in the centre are the words "Arbeit macht frei" ("Work sets you free") in metal letters.

“Education through work” First systematic forced labor

Numerous political opponents were sent to prison and concentration camps.

You can see three rows of forced labourers marching in rank and file. The two men in the front are holding up a banner. It has the inscription: "'Kolonne Grünspan' learns to work!" A Star of David is painted next to it.

1938 November Pogrom Humiliation, Ostracism, Violence

Boycotts and occupational bans for Jews were followed by violent persecution starting in November 1938.

→ The German labor administration

The employment offices were a key tool used by the National Socialist state to steer the labor market. After compulsory service was instituted in 1938, the authorities could compel all Germans to accept job assignments, even against their will. Many of these jobs were in the armaments industry. Launched in 1936, the “Four Year Plan” administration sought to prepare the military and economy for war by 1940. They created a “labor deployment” board that drew upon employment office staff. They were given the assignment of preparing the labor market for war. The employment offices also played a central role in the exclusion of Jews. Beginning in 1938, it called up Jews for labor deployment in segregated units.