Short Answer 
During the Holocaust, Nazis enforced strict control over Jews by confining them to overcrowded ghettos under dire conditions, leading to high mortality rates. Jews were subjected to forced labor for the Nazi war effort, and many were later deported to concentration camps where persecution intensified.
Nazi Control and Isolation of Jews
During the Holocaust, the Nazis enforced strict control over Jewish populations, particularly following the invasion of Poland in 1939. Jewish individuals were forcibly relocated into overcrowded ghettos, which were often sealed to prevent escape and access to basic needs. The living conditions in these ghettos were dire, leading to immense suffering and high mortality rates among the residents.
Forced Labor and Exploitation
Inside the ghettos, Jews were subjected to forced labor that served the Nazi war effort. They were compelled to perform multiple tasks under extreme duress, which included:
- Preparing Food for German Soldiers: Jews were required to manage the limited food supplies, often designated for the Nazi military.
- Housing SS Soldiers: Jewish families were sometimes forced to accommodate SS soldiers, diminishing their autonomy and increasing their suffering.
- Producing War Materials: Many were coerced into working in factories, contributing to the war while enduring appalling conditions.
Transition to Concentration Camps
The brutal reality of life in ghettos ultimately led to their destruction, as many Jewish individuals were rounded up and sent to concentration camps. This transition marked a further escalation in their persecution. The systematic extermination and forced labor in ghettos and camps highlighted the horrific extent of the Nazis’ efforts to control and annihilate the Jewish population during the Holocaust.