Fragments of a Life

After the end of the Second World War, the Soviet Union had millions of victims to mourn. Among them were fallen soldiers, murdered Jews, as well as millions of prisoners of war and civilians who had been deported to Germany for forced labor. They died of systematic exploitation, violence and malnutrition. This publication is dedicated to personal stories of the victims, but also of the survivors who came from the German-occupied Russian part of the Soviet Union. It features historical sources that, although they do not provide complete biographies, allow fragments of a life to be reconstructed. Additional texts provide insights into various aspects of Nazi persecution with regard to different victim groups as well as the situation of survivors after the war. Also included are biographical texts, classroom tasks, suggestions for further research and background information for teachers. This educational material is suitable for use in school and project settings and encourages students to reflect on the past and learn through an interactive exploration of historical sources.