World War II Prisoners of War in Minnesota

Dean Simmons explores the lesser-known history of WWII POWs in Minnesota. His book, 'Swords into Plowshares,' details the experiences of German and Italian POWs, their interactions with Americans, and their contributions to the war effort through labor. The POWs were transported safely to the US, adhering to the Geneva Convention, and were treated well. The narrative highlights the importance of preserving these historical stories and the impact of treating POWs decently, which helped rebuild post-war Europe.

What motivated Dean Simmons to write a book about World War II prisoners of war in Minnesota?

• A family member was a prisoner

• His personal experiences as a prisoner

• A school project on World War II

• Stories from people in Olivia, Minnesota

Where were the prisoners of war in Minnesota originally captured?

• Europe

• Asia

• South America

• North Africa

What was one of the main reasons for establishing camps in Minnesota?

• To conduct scientific experiments

• To isolate prisoners from the public

• To provide labor for the war effort

• To train American soldiers

Which industry did the prisoners NOT work in during their time in Minnesota?

• Automobile manufacturing

• Logging

• Farming

• Canning

How did the United States ensure the prisoners were treated according to international standards?

• By following the Geneva Convention

• By consulting with the German High Command

• By providing luxury accommodations

• By allowing them to return home

What was the economic arrangement for the prisoners' labor?

• They were paid in food and clothing

• They were paid the prevailing local wage

• They were paid in foreign currency

• They were not paid

What was a common occurrence among the prisoners in terms of camp security?

• They were always under strict surveillance

• They frequently escaped and never returned

• They sometimes left the camp and returned unnoticed

• They were allowed to visit nearby towns freely

What was the significance of treating the prisoners decently?

• It was a strategy to win the war

• It helped improve international relations

• It was a way to gather intelligence

• It was a method to convert them to American ideals

Why is it important to preserve historical information about the prisoners of war?

• To create more books on the topic

• To prevent future wars

• To honor the prisoners' bravery

• To ensure the stories are not lost

What challenge did Dean Simmons face when trying to collect historical information?

• Opposition from the government

• Loss of photographs and documents

• Lack of interest from the public

• Language barriers