The History of a Forgotten German Camp

Nazi Ideology and Genocide at Szmalcówka

Although often overlooked, anti-Polish sentiment was central to Nazi ideology. At the outset of World War II, following the annexation of Poland, Hitler initiated a process of 'depolonization' (Entpolonisierung) which resulted in the death or displacement of a significant number of Poles living in Nazi-occupied territories. One little-known displacement camp which was critical to Hitler's plans for a 'purely German' Pomerania was 'Szmalcówka', located in Toru? in Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia. Named after the lard ('smalec') factory in which the camp was housed, Szmalcówka was a devastating piece of machinery in Nazi racial policies.

By examining policies of indirect extermination through a detailed study of Szmalcówka, Tomasz Ceran explores the terrible consequences of Nazi ideology. On the one hand this book provides an historical account, making extensive use of unique Polish sources and documents in order to describe the daily operation of Szmalcówka and the nature of indirect Nazi oppression in occupied Polish territory more generally. On the other, it provides a human insight into Nazi ideology and practice, drawing on the work of prominent intellectuals such as Hannah Arendt and Albert Camus and elaborating on numerous first-hand accounts by both perpetrators and victims of Nazi violence.

Uncovering a forgotten story of World War II history, Ceran's book is essential reading for scholars and students interested in Polish history and Nazi ideology.