the resistance movements
In Auschwitz, a group of Poles banned together and created the Home Army. Many Jews joined, as well. Its leader, Col. Juliusz Gilewicz, was shot in 1943. However, in 1944, it joined with the Kampfgruppe Auschwitz to create the Auschwitz Military Council. Its goal was to stage an uprising. It found success in escapees, as 802 people escaped total, including many women.
On October 7th, of 1944, the Sonderkommando held an uprising. They were known as the "special detachment" prisoners, as they were sent to gas chambers and were forced to pick up the dead bodies of those who had been gassed and take them to Crematorium IV so they could be burned. Women had been smuggling gunpowder into the camp and sent it to the Sonderkommando. They successfully blew up Crematorium IV and killed several officers. The SS quickly quelled the resistance by killing all of the Sonderkommando. A few months later, four women were hung for smuggling gunpowder.
On October 7th, of 1944, the Sonderkommando held an uprising. They were known as the "special detachment" prisoners, as they were sent to gas chambers and were forced to pick up the dead bodies of those who had been gassed and take them to Crematorium IV so they could be burned. Women had been smuggling gunpowder into the camp and sent it to the Sonderkommando. They successfully blew up Crematorium IV and killed several officers. The SS quickly quelled the resistance by killing all of the Sonderkommando. A few months later, four women were hung for smuggling gunpowder.