L13 The Holocaust: The Nuremberg Trials 1945-1949

Question 1

reasons why the Nuremberg trials are controversial

Answer 1

• victors’ justice = victors using diff rules to themselves
• lawyers x need proof of facts of common knowledge
• laws created in retrospect
• defendants x allowed to appeal section of judges
• people say that allies have done the same things as what the Nazi’s did = reference to AA treatment

Question 2

the events and outcomes of Major War Criminals trials (1945-46)

Answer 2

• first of Nuremberg trials = labelled ‘the greatest trial in history’ (24 tried, 18 guilty, 4 acquitted, 2 died)
• people argued that actions were committed following superior’s orders or before laws were made, victors justice t/f x fair etc
• those involved in killing -> severe punishments (12 sentenced to death)

Question 3

significance of reasons for the Nuremberg trials

Answer 3

• victorious allies decided at war conference to hunt down war criminals (Soviet & Churchill - want all executed/ Truman (US) wanted due process and fair trial)
• trials = attempt to bring Nazi war criminals to justice