Germany kept prisoners of war for several reasons:
- Labor: Prisoners of war were often used as forced labor in various sectors of the German economy, particularly in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure projects. This was a significant source of cheap labor for the Nazi regime, especially as the war progressed and manpower shortages became more acute.
- Military Intelligence: Interrogating prisoners of war provided valuable intelligence about enemy forces, tactics, and plans. This information could be used to improve German military strategy and operations.
- Propaganda: The capture and imprisonment of enemy soldiers served as a propaganda tool, demonstrating German military superiority and bolstering morale at home.
- Retaliation: The German government often used prisoners of war as bargaining chips in negotiations with enemy powers. They could also be used as hostages or for reprisals against enemy actions.
The treatment of prisoners of war varied widely throughout the war, with some prisoners receiving relatively humane treatment while others faced brutal conditions and exploitation. The use of prisoners of war for forced labor was a major violation of international law, and many prisoners died due to harsh conditions, disease, or exhaustion.
