Die Nürnberger Prozesse (1/3): Das Dritte Reich vor Gericht | SPIEGEL TV

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The Nuremberg trial after World War II held Nazi leaders accountable for war crimes, aiming to establish a legal precedent against crimes against humanity and prevent future tyrannies globally. Robert Jackson spearheaded the trial in courtroom 600, emphasizing the importance of renewing international law and holding the accused responsible for their actions.

Insights

  • The Nuremberg trial after World War II aimed to hold nearly 200 high-ranking Nazi officials accountable for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and conspiracy, with the accused showing no remorse and justifying their actions, highlighting the importance of establishing legal precedents against future tyrannies globally.
  • Federal judge Robert Jackson spearheaded the trial to punish wars of aggression under international law, with the Allies gathering incriminating evidence against the accused to support the proceedings, despite political complexities and concerns about the accused using the trial to promote Nazism's return, emphasizing the ongoing threat and the necessity of preventing such atrocities in the future.

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Recent questions

  • What was the purpose of the Nuremberg trial?

    To hold Nazi leaders accountable for war crimes.

  • Who were some of the high-ranking Nazi leaders facing accusations at the Nuremberg trial?

    Hermann Göring, Karl Dönitz, Rudolf Hess.

  • Where was the Nuremberg trial held?

    Palace of Justice in Nuremberg.

  • What evidence was gathered against the accused at the Nuremberg trial?

    Incriminating documents found in Berlin and Hitler's Reich Chancellery.

  • Why was the Nuremberg trial considered significant in the context of international law?

    To establish a legal precedent against crimes against humanity.

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Summary

00:00

Nuremberg Trial: Justice for Nazi Leaders

  • After World War II, the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg hosted a trial where almost 200 defendants were held accountable for 12 years of dictatorship, wars of aggression, terror, and mass murder.
  • The international military tribunal, held in courtroom 600 on November 20, 1945, saw high-ranking Nazi leaders like Hermann Göring, Karl Dönitz, and Rudolf Hess facing accusations of conspiracy, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
  • The accused Nazis, including ministers, military officers, and ideologues, showed no remorse and believed they had acted rightly, with the trial aiming to prevent future tyrannies globally.
  • The Nuremberg trial, initiated in 1944, aimed to bring war criminals to justice, with the Allies disagreeing initially on the best punishment method.
  • Federal judge Robert Jackson spearheaded the trial, aiming to establish a new legal precedent by punishing wars of aggression under international law.
  • Nazi leaders, including Hermann Göring, were arrested and held in internment camps like Bad Mondorf, where they claimed ignorance of the concentration camps' atrocities.
  • The Allies gathered evidence against the accused, including incriminating documents found in Berlin and Hitler's Reich Chancellery, to support the trial.
  • The trial's statute was debated among the four victorious powers, with the Soviets reluctant to criminalize wars of aggression and demanding competence to address German crimes.
  • Despite political complexities, the Nuremberg trial proceeded in the heavily damaged city, known for Nazi rallies, aiming to establish a legal precedent against crimes against humanity.
  • The Palace of Justice in Nuremberg was chosen as the trial venue due to its minimal damage and ideal facilities, with nearly 1200 prisoners held in the adjacent prison.

19:44

"Nuremberg Trials: Nazis Face Justice"

  • Robert Jackson views Nuremberg as a significant location for the Nazis, marking the start of their crimes.
  • Room 600 is being prepared for the world court, with the back wall being removed to accommodate spectators and journalists.
  • 24 major war criminals will be tried initially, brought from various internment camps to Nuremberg.
  • Strict regulations are imposed on the delinquents in prison, limiting speech to interrogations due to fears of Nazi liberation attempts.
  • Hermann Göring influences fellow prisoners with his strategy, denying the court's legitimacy and deflecting accusations.
  • Jackson and his team conduct interrogations in the Palace of Justice, primarily relying on documents for the trial.
  • Concerns arise about the accused using the trial as a platform for Nazism's return, emphasizing the ongoing threat.
  • The accused are given the right to defense attorneys, with Karl Dönitz considering the American trial procedures peculiar.
  • Defense lawyers express concerns about the lack of resources and equality in the proceedings, facing challenges in finding employees and materials.
  • The international military tribunal in Nuremberg commences proceedings against 22 Third Reich representatives, with the accused responding to the lengthy indictment.

42:04

"Jackson's Speech Impacts Nuremberg Trial Accused"

  • Robert Jackson considered the opening speech at the Nuremberg trials crucial, aiming to renew international law and prevent tyranny, emphasizing the significance of the trial in the name of humanity.
  • The accused, including Baldur von Schirach and Albert Speer, were impacted by Jackson's powerful words, feeling weighed down and depressed, realizing the gravity of the crimes they were accused of, with the prison director ensuring they received only basic rations to reflect their former subjects' conditions.
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