1. Evacuation of Concentration Camps: As Allied forces advanced towards Germany, the Nazi regime ordered the evacuation of concentration camps located in areas at risk of being overrun. The Germans wanted to prevent the liberation of prisoners by Allied forces and their potential use as witnesses to Nazi atrocities.
2. Destruction of Evidence: The Nazis aimed to conceal the evidence of their crimes, including mass murders, inhumane treatment of prisoners, and the existence of concentration camps. By forcibly marching inmates away from the camps, the Nazis intended to destroy incriminating evidence and cover up their atrocities.
3. Forced Labor: Many concentration camp inmates were forced to perform slave labor in various industries supporting the German war effort. As the war neared its end, and Allied victories became more evident, the Nazis wanted to continue exploiting the labor of concentration camp inmates in different locations before the collapse of the Third Reich.
4. Denial of Liberation: The death marches also served as a means to prevent camp inmates from being liberated by Allied forces. By moving prisoners away from camps before the arrival of liberating armies, the Nazis sought to deny those inmates the chance of freedom and survival.
5. Punishment and Retribution: Some death marches were driven by the Nazis' desire to punish inmates perceived as rebellious, resistant, or troublemakers. These marches often involved harsh conditions, extreme brutality, and a high death toll among the prisoners.
The death marches undertaken by SS guards in the final months of World War II resulted in immense suffering and loss of life among concentration camp inmates. These marches became notorious for their violence, deprivation, and inhumanity, further exposing the ruthless nature of the Nazi regime.