What is a kapo?
Q: What is a kapo?
A: A kapo is a special type of prisoner in the Nazi concentration camps during The Holocaust who was chosen by the SS camp guards to help run the camps.
Q: What were some of the tasks performed by kapos?
A: Some kapos were in charge of other prisoners, who had to do forced labor, while other kapos did paperwork and kept records in the camps.
Q: Why did the Nazis use kapos?
A: The Nazis used kapos for many reasons. Kapos helped to run the camps, which meant that the camps did not need as many SS guards. The kapos helped the SS control the other prisoners, which made it possible for a small number of SS to run large concentration camps. Also, kapos were not paid for their work, so this saved the Nazis a lot of money.
Q: What special treatment did kapos receive?
A: Although they were not paid, the kapos got special treatment. They did not have to do hard labor, and they were not physically abused like the other prisoners. They sometimes got extra food, cigarettes, alcohol, regular clothes, and private rooms.
Q: How did the kapos keep their special treatment?
A: To keep their special treatment, the kapos had to keep the SS guards happy. If they did not control the other prisoners well enough, the kapos would lose their jobs and become regular prisoners again.
Q: Who were the kapos often chosen by the SS?
A: The SS often chose kapos who were members of violent criminal gangs.
Q: Did the kapos ever abuse other prisoners?
A: Yes, some kapos, especially those who were members of violent criminal gangs, often abused other prisoners badly, and the SS allowed this abuse to happen.
