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In the last few months of the Second World War, conscription efforts turned primarily to young men who were barely adults or even still children. Even though it was already clear that Germany could no longer win the war, many German lives were still lost. Soldiers who refused to fight or attempted to desert were shot. Although by now the war was on their doorstep, many Germans still believed in the National Socialist victory that the propaganda had promised. On the other side, approximately 12 million people were displaced at the end of the war or shortly after. Some were evacuated from Eastern Europe, while others fled in refugee treks or were deported. They went to Austria or Germany. It was the biggest migration movement in history. Refugees were often caught in the crossfire during their journey. Some people who had not been forced to flee showed solidarity with the refugees, whereas others exploited their vulnerability. There was widespread hunger and many fell ill or died during their journey.

For concentration camp prisoners the end of the war meant liberation. As the Eastern Front advanced, prisoners were sent on “death marches”. Guarded by the SS, they were made to walk for days on end without food. When they could take no more they were shot. Many of the weakened prisoners did not survive the marches.