At first, forced labour was used to break down and humiliate the Nazis’ political opponents as well as ordinary prisoners and the so-called “asocials“ (including Jews, Sinti and Roma). Over time, the Nazis exploited more and forced workers, men and women, to support the war economy. After Germany’s invasion of Poland and the occupation of western Europe, the work-force of the defeated nations became a significant part of Germany’s war booty.
