Historical Events tagged with "forced labor"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Supplementary Convention on Abolition of Slavery

April 30th, 1957 67 years ago

The Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery entered into force to reinforce efforts against slavery and human trafficking. This international treaty aimed to enhance existing measures towards the abolition of all forms of slavery. It built on the foundation laid by previous conventions, acknowledging the ongoing relevance of slavery-like practices. The significance of this convention lay in its comprehensive approach, addressing not only traditional slavery but also servitude and forced labor, underscoring a global commitment to eradicating these practices.

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Military & Warfare

British Army Liberates Neuengamme Concentration Camp

May 4th, 1945 79 years ago

The British Army liberated Neuengamme concentration camp, located near Hamburg, in April 1945. Upon their arrival, British troops discovered thousands of starving and exhausted prisoners, many suffering from severe illnesses after enduring horrific conditions. The camp had been established by the Nazis, primarily used for forced labor, and during its operation, tens of thousands of individuals perished. The liberation marked a pivotal moment in the closing weeks of World War II, symbolizing the end of the oppressive regime.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Troops Liberate Ohrdruf Forced Labor Camp

April 4th, 1945 79 years ago

American soldiers from the 4th Armored Division liberated the Ohrdruf forced labor camp in Germany. Upon their arrival, they discovered a horrific scene of abuse and suffering endured by the camp's prisoners. Many were malnourished and displayed signs of severe trauma. This liberation occurred during the final months of World War II, highlighting the inhumane treatment of forced laborers and prisoners in German camps.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Protests in Athens Against Forced Mobilization

March 5th, 1943 82 years ago

In Athens, workers organized a general strike and protest march due to rumors of forced mobilization of Greek labor for work in Germany. The situation escalated as protesters clashed with Axis occupation forces and collaborationist police. In response to the unrest and public outcry, the decree regarding forced labor was withdrawn the following day.

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Politics & Government

Neuengamme Concentration Camp Opens

December 13th, 1938 86 years ago

The Neuengamme concentration camp opened in Hamburg, Germany, creating a facility aimed at detaining political prisoners and other perceived enemies of the Nazi regime. Set up in a disused brickyard, the camp began receiving its first inmates shortly after its establishment, with the purpose of exploiting their labor for the German war industry. The conditions within the camp quickly became harsh, as the Nazis sought to dehumanize and control those they imprisoned. Over the years, Neuengamme grew into a major center of forced labor, reflecting the brutal tactics employed by the Nazi regime during this period.

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