About Paul K Harker Expertise I'm the author of "Directive 19 the Memoirs of SS Sturmbannfuhrer Rolf Otto Schiller". I can answer questions regarding the Third Reich, Holocaust, SS, World War II, Nazi policies, the concentration camps and the administrative system behind the deportations and liquidations.
Experience Published Author (Directive 19 - The Memoirs of SS Sturmbannfuhrer Rolf Otto Schiller 2006, Outskirts Press Library). Owner of Mad Dog Memoirs. Expertise in Modern Warfare with focus on Third Reich strategy and tactics.
Organizations Mad Dog Memoirs
Publications Directive 19
The Memoirs of SS Sturmbannfuhrer Rolf Otto Schiller
Outskirts Press Library 2006 - ISBN # 1-59800-392-5 (Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com)
Education/Credentials Modern Warfare
Ancient Roman/Medieval Warfare
Awards and Honors Directive 19 book nominated for EWY Award 2006
Past/Present Clients Rolf Otto Schiller (Former SS Officer)
Karl Werner Von Metzger (Former SS radio operator)
Wilhelm Groener (Former Luftwaffe Officer and Pilot)
Expert: Paul K Harker Date: 1/6/2007 Subject: concentration camps
Question Is it balanced to compare Nazi concentration camps to gulags, or the differences are much more than the similarities?
Thank you
Answer Hello,
A "concentration camp" by simple definition, is any detainment facility used to house a large number of inmates. In this sense, and at a very literal interpretation, all prisons can be called concentration camps.
The similarites between gulags and concentration camps is that they were both designed to house political prisoners and enemies of the state. Again in this regard, they are identicial.
The logistical and comprehensive layout and design is also similar between the two. Guard towers were placed at intervals integral to providing security and minimizing risks and great measures were employed to prevent escapes and rebellions.
The treatment of the prisoners may or may not have differed and this is subjective based upon the personal accounts of survivors. Gulags did not have traditional "gas chambers" but death penalties were enforced in the Soviet gulags for violations of rules and protocol.
If you need more clarification, please feel free to post a follow-up.
Sincerely,
Paul K Harker
