The Warsaw Ghetto was established in October 1940 as a response to the Nazi occupation of Poland and was a crucial element in their broader strategy of antisemitism. By this point, the German authorities had already implemented various discriminatory measures against Jewish citizens, including laws that restricted their rights and movements. The creation of the ghetto further institutionalized this oppressive regime, forcing the Jewish population of Warsaw, which was one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe at the time, into a confined area. This area was surrounded by walls and heavily guarded, effectively cutting off access to the outside world and trapping the residents within its confines.

As the ghetto was established, the conditions quickly deteriorated. Over crowded and lacking adequate resources, the inhabitants faced starvation, disease, and dehumanization. Basic necessities like food, water, and medical care were severely limited, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The ghetto's population swelled as Jews from surrounding areas were forcibly relocated. As a result, the ghetto housed approximately 400,000 individuals in an area that was barely able to sustain a fraction of that number. Over time, extreme conditions led to rampant illness and mortality among the residents.

The ghetto became a focal point of Jewish resistance. Various underground organizations formed within the ghetto aiming to smuggle food and supplies, organize covert education, and resist deportations. Despite overwhelming odds, these groups played a crucial role in holding onto a sense of identity and community in the face of brutal oppression. The eventual uprisings in the ghetto, particularly the notable Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943, were significant acts of defiance against the Nazi regime, symbolizing resilience in the face of genocide.