War Crimes Trials | World War II

The Allied Powers made the decision to punish enemy commanders who had perpetrated heinous atrocities during World War 2 when the conflict came to a conclusion. To ascertain what atrocities had been committed and who was accountable, they held war crimes trials. For their wartime acts, many German and Japanese commanders were put to death.

Describe a war crime.

At first glance, you could assume that there are no laws governing war. Anything goes because both sides are attempting to kill one another. However, the world has proven that some actions are unacceptable even in times of war. Agreements like the Geneva Convention outline these regulations.

War crimes include acts like the murder or abuse of prisoners of war, the killing of civilians, the bombardment of civilian targets (such as cities and towns) and the taking of hostages. A large number of nations broke these fundamental norms of war during World War II. Additionally, there have been “crimes against humanity” like the Holocaust in Germany.

Trials in Nuremberg

The Nuremberg tribunals were arguably the most well-known war tribunals held following World War 2. 23 of the most powerful Nazi officials were the target of these Nuremberg trials, which sought to hold them accountable for the atrocities they committed during the war. Martin Bormann, Hitler’s personal secretary, Hermann Goering, and Rudolf Hess, the deputy leader, were among the individuals on trial. Twelve of these men were convicted and given death sentences.

Tokyo Trials

Numerous Japanese wartime leaders were accused during the Tokyo Trials, which were held in Tokyo, Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo, who was found guilty of multiple crimes and put to death, was the most well-known leader to be tried. Three years passed during the Tokyo Trials. Hirohito, the Japanese emperor, was not tried. In order to keep Japan peaceful and stable, General MacArthur let him to continue as a figurehead.

Further Tests

Other trials took place all throughout the world. Many of the concentration camps in Germany held trials to punish the camp directors and medical staff. To punish individuals accountable for the Nanjing Massacre, China held numerous trials, notably the Nanjing War Crimes Trial.

Facts to Know About the World War 2 War Crimes Trials

Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler were two Nazi commanders who were never tried because they killed themselves at the end of the war.

One of the British judges referred to the Nuremberg Trials as “the greatest trial in history”.

A number of Nazi doctors were tried for crimes against humanity, including the mass murder of racial and disabled persons. They also used human subjects in medical research.

Some Nazi war criminals managed to flee to other nations, where they hid for many years. The so-called “Nazi Hunters” dedicated most of their life to finding the culprits and bringing them to punishment.