The Fate of German POWs After World War II

👀German POWs in the United States were typically treated humanely and given work on farms or in factories.

💔German POWs in French custody faced harsh conditions and abuse from civilians, with many suffering from starvation and 40,000 estimated fatalities.

🔨The Soviet Union used German POWs for forced labor, contributing to the reconstruction of their devastated country. About one-third of the German laborers died from harsh conditions.

💰Western Allies leased German POWs to other countries, including France and Belgium, to aid in reconstruction. However, this proved expensive, and Soviet-style forced labor was eventually abandoned.

🔙Most German POWs were repatriated by 1948, with only those convicted of war crimes remaining in Soviet custody until as late as 1956.

How were German POWs treated by the Western Allies?

—German POWs in the United States and Britain were generally treated humanely, given work on farms or in factories, and had cordial relationships with civilians.

What were the conditions for German POWs in French custody?

—German POWs in French custody faced harsh conditions, abuse from civilians, and starvation. An estimated 40,000 fatalities occurred.

How did the Soviet Union use German POWs?

—The Soviet Union used German POWs for forced labor to help in the reconstruction of their devastated country. Approximately one-third of the German laborers died due to harsh conditions.

Did the Western Allies lease German POWs to other countries?

—Yes, the Western Allies leased German POWs to countries like France and Belgium to aid in reconstruction. However, this proved to be expensive and was eventually abandoned.

When were most German POWs repatriated?

—Most German POWs were repatriated by 1948. Those convicted of war crimes remained in Soviet custody until as late as 1956.

00:00German prisoners of war faced various fates after World War II

05:04German POWs in the United States were treated humanely and given work on farms or in factories

07:03German POWs in French custody faced harsh conditions and abuse, with many suffering from starvation and 40,000 estimated fatalities

09:19The Soviet Union used German POWs for forced labor, contributing to their country's reconstruction

11:13The Western Allies leased German POWs to aid in reconstruction but eventually abandoned the practice due to expenses

13:27Most German POWs were repatriated by 1948, with those convicted of war crimes remaining in Soviet custody until as late as 1956