There have been several examples of concentration camps in the 20th century before Nazi Germany. Prominent examples include Spanish camps in Cuba during the Cuban War of Independence, and British Camps in South Africa during the Boer War.

However, the intent of these camps were very different. They were intended to detain civilian populations and prevent them from aiding insurgents. Many civilians died from malnourishment. However, this was not the intent of the authorities, but rather an organizational failure of the camps to provide adequate care and facilities.

The people in Nazi concentration camps were not interned for aiding insurgent movements. After 1942, the primary purpose of the camps were to kill entire populations.