Hadamar Euthanasia Centre

Hadamar Euthanasia Centre was a facility in Hadamar, Germany, that was used as part of the Nazi euthanasia program known as Aktion T4. The centre was one of several locations where the systematic murder of individuals deemed "unworthy of life" took place during World War II.

History

The Hadamar Euthanasia Centre began its operations in January 1941. It was one of six main killing centres established under the Aktion T4 program, which targeted individuals with mental and physical disabilities. The program was part of the Nazi regime's broader policy of racial hygiene and eugenics.

Operations

Patients were transported to Hadamar from various mental hospitals and care facilities across Germany and occupied territories. Upon arrival, they were subjected to gas chambers disguised as shower rooms. The bodies were then cremated in the facility's crematorium. It is estimated that around 15,000 people were murdered at Hadamar during the Aktion T4 phase.

After the official end of Aktion T4 in August 1941, the facility continued to operate under a decentralized euthanasia program, often referred to as "wild euthanasia." During this period, lethal injections and starvation were commonly used methods of killing.

Post-War Trials

After the end of World War II, several staff members of the Hadamar Euthanasia Centre were tried for their crimes. The Hadamar Trial was one of the first war crimes trials conducted by the United States military. Several individuals were convicted and sentenced to death or imprisonment.

Memorial

Today, the site of the Hadamar Euthanasia Centre serves as a memorial and educational center. It aims to honor the victims and educate the public about the atrocities committed there.

Related Pages

• Aktion T4
• Nazi eugenics
• World War II
• Hadamar Trial
• Gas chamber
• Crematorium
• Mental hospital