Ohlendorf Testifies about Einsatzgruppen Killings
Ohlendorf testifies about Einsatzgruppe operations and acknowledges that mobile killing units carried out systematic mass executions in occupied Soviet territory.
Nuremberg Trials in 1946
273 historical records for 1946.
Hoellriegel Testifies on Mauthausen Gas Chamber
Hoellriegel provides evidence concerning killing facilities and procedures at Mauthausen concentration camp.
Bach-Zelewski Testifies on Anti-Partisan Killings
Bach-Zelewski gives evidence about SS anti-partisan operations, mass shootings and the relationship between police formations and military authorities.
Forced Labour Case Connects Goering to Four Year Plan
Evidence on forced labour emphasized that Sauckel operated within the Four Year Plan structure for which Goering held overarching authority as its plenipotentiary.
Soviet Labour Directives Presented against Goering
The prosecution cited wartime directives attributed to Goering concerning the use of Soviet civilians and prisoners of war as labour within the German war economy.
Blaha Testifies on Dachau Camp Conditions
Blaha recounts conditions at Dachau, including deaths, medical abuse and his work around the camp's pathological facilities.
Heisig Testifies on Naval Conduct
Heisig gives testimony used during the prosecution's examination of German naval operations and wartime orders.
Moehle Testifies on U-Boat Orders
Moehle explains how U-boat commanders received operational orders and describes instructions relevant to the prosecution of German naval warfare.
Lampe Testifies on Concentration Camp Treatment
Lampe gives evidence about detention and mistreatment in the concentration-camp system during the French prosecution case.
Boix Testifies with Mauthausen Photographs
Boix identifies photographs connected with Mauthausen and explains how images documenting camp personnel and conditions were preserved.
Dupont Testifies in French Prosecution Case
Dupont gives evidence during the French presentation concerning persecution and conditions imposed under German occupation.
Vaillant-Couturier Testifies on Auschwitz and Ravensbrueck
Vaillant-Couturier recounts deportation, imprisonment and conditions she witnessed at Auschwitz and Ravensbrueck concentration camps.
Veith Testifies on Mauthausen
Veith recounts his imprisonment at Mauthausen and describes conditions experienced by prisoners under the concentration-camp regime.
Balachowsky Testifies on Camp Experiments
Balachowsky recounts imprisonment and discusses medical experimentation conducted on concentration-camp inmates.
Cappelen Testifies on Occupied Norway
Cappelen provides evidence concerning German occupation policies and conditions experienced in Norway under wartime rule.
Vorrink Testifies on German Occupation of Netherlands
Vorrink provides evidence about German occupation policy, political repression and treatment of Dutch civilians.
Van der Essen Testifies on Occupation Policy
Van der Essen gives evidence concerning German occupation practices and the historical record of policies applied in western Europe.
Buschenhagen Testifies on Invasion Planning
Buschenhagen answers Soviet prosecution questions about German military planning and cooperation connected with operations against the Soviet Union.
Paulus Testifies on Planning against Soviet Union
Paulus gives evidence about German military planning for the attack on the Soviet Union and the role of senior commanders in preparations.
Orbeli Testifies on Cultural Destruction
Orbeli describes damage and destruction affecting cultural institutions and historic property during the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
Lomakin Testifies on Leningrad Destruction
Lomakin gives Soviet evidence concerning destruction, bombardment and civilian suffering connected with the siege of Leningrad.
Rajzman Testifies on Treblinka
Rajzman recounts deportation and mass killing at Treblinka, giving direct evidence about the operation of the extermination camp.
Bodenschatz Describes Goering Peace Contacts
Karl Bodenschatz testified about Goering's pre-war contacts and statements, presenting the defence argument that Goering had attempted to preserve peaceful relations with Britain.
Bodenschatz Explains Goering Four Year Plan Position
Bodenschatz described Goering's explanation that the Four Year Plan was intended to secure strategic raw materials and reduce Germany's dependence on foreign imports.
Bodenschatz Testifies on Goering Headquarters
Bodenschatz gives evidence about Goering's headquarters, Luftwaffe leadership and contacts among senior figures of the Nazi regime.
Goering Defence Presentation Begins
Goering's defence case began with testimony from witnesses chosen to address his political intentions, Luftwaffe leadership, economic authority and relationship with Hitler.
Milch Begins Evidence for Goering Defence
Erhard Milch began evidence for Goering's defence, addressing Luftwaffe administration, wartime decision-making and the internal relationship between Goering and Hitler.
Milch Discusses Goering Opposition to Soviet War
During continued testimony, Milch described conversations indicating that Goering had reservations about attacking the Soviet Union and understood the danger of a prolonged eastern war.
Brauchitsch Gives Evidence on Goering Luftwaffe Headquarters
Bernd von Brauchitsch testified about his service around Goering's Luftwaffe headquarters and provided evidence concerning command routines and senior military communications.
Kesselring Begins Luftwaffe Evidence for Goering
Albert Kesselring gave evidence about Luftwaffe development and command, supporting parts of Goering's defence concerning air-force policy before and during the war.
Kesselring Testifies on Luftwaffe Command
Kesselring answers questions about Luftwaffe operations, command responsibility and the military decision-making process.
Koerner Testifies on Four Year Plan
Koerner gives evidence about the Four Year Plan organization, Goering's authority and economic preparations connected with the war.
Koerner Testifies on Goering Economic Authority
Paul Koerner described Goering's position within the Four Year Plan organization and the administrative machinery through which economic directives were transmitted.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Goering testified in his own defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Goering Explains Early Nazi Leadership Role
His testimony described his early position in the Nazi movement and sought to explain how his political authority developed before the party entered government.
Goering Recounts Early Career and Political Rise
Goering opened his evidence with an account of his upbringing, military career, First World War service and eventual entry into Hitler's political movement.
Goering Sworn as Defence Witness
Goering took the witness stand, gave his name and repeated the oath before beginning the lengthy personal testimony presented in his own defence.
Kesselring Cross Examination Raises Goering Gestapo Role
During Kesselring's cross-examination, prosecutors drew attention to Goering's responsibility for establishing the Prussian Gestapo and questioned claims about limited knowledge of persecution.
Kesselring Identifies Goering as Luftwaffe Channel to Hitler
Kesselring stated that Goering was the principal channel through which Luftwaffe information and views could reach Hitler at the highest level of command.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Goering testified in his own defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Goering Addresses Nazi Party Programme
Goering discussed the Nazi Party programme, his acceptance of its broad aims and the methods by which the movement intended to obtain and exercise political power.
Goering Addresses Police and Security Powers
Goering described the early security structure under his control and defended measures taken against political opponents during the establishment of the Nazi state.
Goering Discusses German Rearmament Policy
His evidence addressed German rearmament and the rebuilding of military strength, presenting these policies as responses to Germany's strategic and political position.
Goering Explains Consolidation of Nazi Power
The defence examination moved through the consolidation of Nazi rule, with Goering explaining governmental changes and his own expanding authority after Hitler became chancellor.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Goering testified in his own defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Goering Addresses Neutrality of Belgium and Netherlands
He argued that German leaders doubted whether Belgian and Dutch neutrality would remain effective during a major war in western Europe.
Goering Discusses Western Offensive Decisions
Goering testified about the military reasoning used to justify operations against the Netherlands and Belgium during the western campaign of 1940.
Goering Explains Luftwaffe Strategic Decisions
Goering described Luftwaffe planning and operational considerations while defending his conduct as commander-in-chief during the opening campaigns of the war.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Goering testified in his own defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Goering Addresses Responsibility for Austrian Entry
Goering acknowledged that the decision to send German forces into Austria rested with Hitler and himself, irrespective of subsequent political telegrams from Vienna.
Goering Describes Reich Defence Council Role
Goering addressed his formal position connected with the Reich Defence Council and asserted that the body described in the relevant law had not functioned as alleged.
Goering Discusses Military Obedience under Hitler
Goering explained his view that senior officers could express disagreement in peacetime but were expected to obey once Hitler had made a final decision.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Goering testified in his own defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Goering Admits Four Year Plan War Readiness Language
Under cross-examination, Goering acknowledged using language that described his task as placing the German economy in a state of readiness for war within four years.
Jackson Begins Cross Examination of Goering
Robert Jackson began a sustained cross-examination intended to test Goering's account of Nazi policy, rearmament, aggression and his personal responsibility within the regime.
Jackson Challenges Goering on Soviet Attack Preparations
Jackson questioned Goering about advance knowledge of plans against the Soviet Union and the economic and military preparations made before Operation Barbarossa.
Dahlerus Evidence Examines Goering Peace Diplomacy
Birger Dahlerus gave evidence about his contacts with Goering during the 1939 crisis and the unsuccessful efforts to facilitate communication between Germany and Britain.
Dahlerus Testifies on 1939 Peace Contacts
Dahlerus describes his efforts to mediate between British and German leaders during the final days before the outbreak of war.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Goering testified in his own defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Jackson Questions Goering on Secret Mobilization Measures
Jackson pressed Goering on military preparations and secrecy, challenging attempts to characterize German mobilization measures as ordinary precautions rather than preparations for aggressive war.
Tribunal Directs Goering to Answer Cross Examination Responsively
After disputes over lengthy explanations, the Tribunal reminded Goering that he was required to answer prosecution questions directly before adding explanations through proper examination.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Goering testified in his own defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Goering Confronted with Prisoner Labour Conference Record
The prosecution confronted Goering with conference records concerning the employment of prisoners of war and foreign labour, testing his explanations of responsibility and authorship.
Goering Questioned on Kristallnacht Economic Measures
Cross-examination examined Goering's participation in the post-Kristallnacht economic conference, including measures affecting Jewish property, insurance claims and the imposed collective fine.
Jackson Examines Goering Occupation Economic Directives
Jackson questioned Goering about economic directives applied in occupied territories and the authority exercised through officials responsible for carrying out Four Year Plan policies.
Jackson Questions Goering on Nuremberg Laws
Jackson questioned Goering about his role as Reichstag president when the Nuremberg racial laws were proclaimed and about the legal persecution that followed.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Goering testified in his own defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Maxwell-Fyfe Questions Goering on Great Escape Investigation
British prosecutor David Maxwell-Fyfe questioned Goering about Luftwaffe knowledge of investigations following the escape and subsequent killing of Allied airmen from Stalag Luft III.
Maxwell-Fyfe Tests Goering Account of Dahlerus Contacts
Maxwell-Fyfe challenged Goering's interpretation of Dahlerus's 1939 missions and questioned discrepancies concerning the purpose and handling of the Swedish intermediary's flights.
Rudenko Challenges Goering on Eastern Exploitation Policy
The Soviet cross-examination addressed Goering's economic directives for occupied eastern territories and disputed his attempts to soften the meaning of recorded extraction policies.
Rudenko Examines Goering Role in Barbarossa Preparations
Rudenko pressed Goering on Luftwaffe preparations for the attack on the Soviet Union and on his knowledge of strategic and territorial objectives in the East.
Rudenko Questions Goering on Position beside Hitler
Soviet chief prosecutor Roman Rudenko questioned Goering about his proximity to Hitler and his influence over Luftwaffe, economic and high-level political decisions.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Goering testified in his own defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Goering Testimony Phase Concludes
Goering's multi-day appearance as the first defendant witness concluded after defence examination and questioning by American, British and Soviet prosecutors.
Tribunal Notes Breadth of Goering Evidence
The Tribunal observed that Goering had been permitted to give extensive evidence covering the development of the Nazi regime from its rise through Germany's defeat.
Bohle Testifies on Nazi Foreign Organization
Bohle describes the Nazi Party's Foreign Organization and answers questions about its structure, functions and dealings with Germans abroad.
Defence Witnesses Address Ribbentrop British Policy
Ribbentrop's defence presented witnesses who discussed his attempts to cultivate Anglo-German relations and his conduct while serving as ambassador in London.
Paul Schmidt Evidence Examines Ribbentrop Foreign Office Role
Interpreter Paul Schmidt gave evidence about Ribbentrop's work in the Foreign Office, his diplomatic style and his relationship with senior officials and Hitler.
Paul Schmidt Testifies on Foreign Policy Meetings
Schmidt describes diplomatic conferences and conversations he interpreted for senior German leaders before and during the war.
Ribbentrop Defence Evidence Turns to Anglo German Diplomacy
The defence used testimony concerning the 1935 Naval Agreement and later diplomatic contacts to present Ribbentrop as an advocate of accommodation with Britain.
Ribbentrop Addresses Austrian Crisis of 1938
His testimony examined the Austrian crisis, including meetings with Chancellor Schuschnigg and Ribbentrop's claim that closer political union should be achieved through agreement.
Ribbentrop Addresses Secret Protocol Negotiations
His evidence addressed the confidential arrangements negotiated with the Soviet Union concerning spheres of interest in eastern Europe alongside the public non-aggression agreement.
Ribbentrop Describes Final August 1939 British Contacts
Ribbentrop described the final diplomatic contacts with British ambassador Nevile Henderson and the unsuccessful effort to resolve the German-Polish confrontation before hostilities began.
Ribbentrop Describes Polish Crisis Diplomatic Exchanges
Ribbentrop recounted the worsening German-Polish crisis of 1939 and presented his version of the proposals exchanged among Berlin, Warsaw and London before war began.
Ribbentrop Discusses German Soviet Non Aggression Pact
Ribbentrop testified about his mission to Moscow and the negotiations that produced the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact shortly before the invasion of Poland.
Ribbentrop Discusses Sudeten and Czechoslovak Questions
Ribbentrop described German policy toward Czechoslovakia and the Sudeten dispute while defending his role in the diplomatic steps that preceded the Munich settlement.
Ribbentrop Explains Danzig and Corridor Negotiations
The defence questioned Ribbentrop about negotiations with Poland over Danzig, minority issues and a transport connection across the Polish Corridor.
Ribbentrop Testifies on Appointment as Foreign Minister
Ribbentrop described his appointment as Foreign Minister in February 1938 and explained how he assumed control of the ministry after serving as ambassador in London.
Ribbentrop Addresses Policy toward France after 1940
His testimony reviewed German diplomatic policy toward defeated France and the limited efforts made to obtain closer political collaboration with the Vichy government.
Ribbentrop Addresses War Declaration on United States
His defence testimony examined Germany's declaration of war on the United States and Ribbentrop's account of the legal and strategic considerations discussed after Pearl Harbor.
Ribbentrop Discusses Balkan Neutrality Policy
Ribbentrop stated that German diplomacy sought to keep the Balkans out of the wider war while monitoring British and French military activity in southeastern Europe.
Ribbentrop Explains Second Moscow Mission
He described his September 1939 return to Moscow, where German and Soviet representatives negotiated a new boundary arrangement following the defeat of Poland.
Ribbentrop Responds to Foreign Office Jewish Policy Document
Ribbentrop was questioned about a Foreign Office circular concerning the Jewish question and denied treating the document as an important statement of his own policy.
Ribbentrop Testifies on Memel Settlement
Ribbentrop gave evidence about the return of Memel to Germany and portrayed the settlement with Lithuania as a negotiated solution to a longstanding territorial dispute.
Ribbentrop Testifies on Tripartite Pact Purpose
Ribbentrop characterized the Tripartite Pact with Italy and Japan as a diplomatic measure intended to strengthen Germany's position and discourage United States intervention.
Cross Examination Tests Ribbentrop Soviet Pact Account
Questions from defence counsel for other defendants and prosecutors tested Ribbentrop's description of the German-Soviet agreements and his part in negotiating their secret provisions.
Maxwell Fyfe Begins Cross Examination of Ribbentrop
British prosecutor David Maxwell-Fyfe began cross-examining Ribbentrop about his diplomatic career, relations with Britain and knowledge of German plans for expansion and war.
Maxwell Fyfe Challenges Ribbentrop on British Intentions
Maxwell-Fyfe challenged Ribbentrop's account of Anglo-German relations and questioned whether he had understood before the war that Britain would resist further German expansion.
Amen Questions Ribbentrop Loyalty to Hitler
American prosecutor John Amen questioned Ribbentrop about his pledge not to create difficulties for Hitler and his willingness to carry out decisions even after voicing disagreement.
French Prosecution Questions Ribbentrop on Occupied Europe
French prosecutor Edgar Faure questioned Ribbentrop about Foreign Office involvement in occupied European territories and the diplomatic administration of German control.
Ribbentrop Cross Examination Concludes
After questioning by British, French, American and Soviet prosecutors, Ribbentrop's extended appearance as a defendant witness came to an end.
Rudenko Questions Ribbentrop on Soviet Invasion Policy
Soviet chief prosecutor Roman Rudenko challenged Ribbentrop over the attack on the Soviet Union and his claim that the invasion should be regarded as preventive rather than aggressive.
Lammers Testifies on Hitler Government Machinery
Lammers explains the Reich Chancellery's role, Hitler's working methods and the transmission of decisions through the Nazi government.
Lammers Returns for Extended Defence Testimony
Lammers continues detailed evidence about cabinet procedure, Hitler's decrees and the functioning of central government under the Nazi dictatorship.
Wielen Testifies on Stalag Luft III Murders
Wielen testifies about the investigation and aftermath of the killing of escaped Allied airmen from Stalag Luft III.
Riecke Testifies on Eastern Food Policy
Riecke answers questions about food administration and agricultural policy in territories occupied by Germany in eastern Europe.
Hoess Testifies about Auschwitz Extermination Operations
Former Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Hoess testifies about mass killing procedures, deportations and the operation of the extermination camp.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Frank testified before the Tribunal about his rule in occupied Poland.
Buehler Testifies on General Government
Buehler gives evidence about administration in occupied Poland and the authority exercised within Hans Frank's General Government.
Witness Testimony at Nuremberg
Gisevius testified as a defence witness about opposition circles and the Nazi leadership.
Witness Testimony at Nuremberg
Gisevius testified as a defence witness about opposition circles and the Nazi leadership.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Streicher testified before the Tribunal about his propaganda activities and political career.
Witness Testimony at Nuremberg
Gisevius testified as a defence witness about opposition circles and the Nazi leadership.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Streicher testified before the Tribunal about his propaganda activities and political career.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Schacht testified in his defence about economic policy, rearmament and his break with the Nazi leadership.
Wurzbacher Testifies during Schacht Defence
Wurzbacher appears during Schacht's case and gives evidence concerning economic and financial matters examined by the defence.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Schacht testified in his defence about economic policy, rearmament and his break with the Nazi leadership.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Schacht testified in his defence about economic policy, rearmament and his break with the Nazi leadership.
Hayler Testifies on Wartime Economic Administration
Hayler answers questions about wartime economic administration and the responsibilities of officials working under the Reich Economics Ministry.
Gerhard Wagner Testifies on Naval Command
Wagner gives evidence about German naval command relationships, operational planning and issues raised in the defence of senior admirals.
Godt Testifies on U-Boat Operations
Godt gives evidence about U-boat command, operational orders and naval practices considered during the defence of Doenitz.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Raeder continued his testimony in defence of his conduct and naval command.
Severing Testifies on Pre-Nazi Politics
Severing provides evidence about German political conditions before 1933 and the destruction of democratic institutions under National Socialism.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Schirach testified before the Tribunal concerning his political and wartime activities.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Schirach testified before the Tribunal concerning his political and wartime activities.
Naujocks Testifies on Security Service Operations
Naujocks gives evidence concerning covert Security Service operations and activities carried out by special units before and during the war.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Schirach testified before the Tribunal concerning his political and wartime activities.
Hoepken Testifies during Schirach Defence
Hoepken gives evidence concerning youth administration and political responsibilities examined during Baldur von Schirach's defence.
Lauterbacher Testifies on Nazi Party Leadership
Lauterbacher answers questions concerning Party leadership structures and responsibilities within the Nazi political organization.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Sauckel testified about his responsibilities for labour mobilisation during the war.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Sauckel testified about his responsibilities for labour mobilisation during the war.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Sauckel testified about his responsibilities for labour mobilisation during the war.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Sauckel testified about his responsibilities for labour mobilisation during the war.
Timm Testifies in Sauckel Defence
Timm appears for Sauckel's defence and addresses labour administration, recruitment practices and the operation of wartime manpower offices.
Hildebrandt Testifies in Sauckel Case
Hildebrandt appears during Sauckel's defence and addresses the organization and operation of wartime labour administration.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Jodl testified in his own defence regarding German military planning and operations.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Jodl testified in his own defence regarding German military planning and operations.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Jodl testified in his own defence regarding German military planning and operations.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Jodl testified in his own defence regarding German military planning and operations.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Jodl testified in his own defence regarding German military planning and operations.
Winter Testifies for High Command Defence
Winter gives evidence concerning staff procedures and command relationships relied upon by the defence of the German High Command.
Defence Testimony at Nuremberg
Seyss-Inquart began testimony concerning his political roles in Austria and the occupied Netherlands.
Glaise-Horstenau Testifies on Austrian Politics
Glaise-Horstenau gives evidence concerning Austrian political developments, the Anschluss period and figures connected with Seyss-Inquart.
Rainer Testifies on Austrian Nazi Administration
Rainer gives evidence concerning Austrian Nazi politics, regional administration and issues raised in the defence of Seyss-Inquart.
Guido Schmidt Testifies on Austrian Diplomacy
Schmidt gives evidence about Austrian foreign policy and relations with Germany during the political crisis preceding the Anschluss.
Skubl Testifies on Vienna Police during Anschluss
Skubl answers questions about Austrian police activity and public order during the German takeover of Austria.
Wimmer Testifies on Netherlands Administration
Wimmer discusses civil administration under German occupation and matters connected with Seyss-Inquart's government in the Netherlands.
Speer Acknowledges Knowledge of Involuntary Foreign Labour
Speer acknowledged that he knew foreign workers were being used in Germany against their will while his ministry continued to demand manpower for war production.
Speer Addresses Central Planning Responsibilities
Speer discussed his role in central economic planning and the relationship between his armaments responsibilities, industrial production and requests for labour.
Speer Addresses Subterranean Armaments Factories
The defence questioned Speer about underground armaments plants, and he described their scale, technical requirements and the composition of the labour force used there.
Speer Denies Using Terror to Increase Factory Output
He denied that his ministry had promoted terror as a normal method for increasing output and argued that sustained industrial production depended on effective working conditions.
Speer Describes Appointment as Armaments Minister
Speer described how he moved from architecture into wartime administration and succeeded Fritz Todt as Reich Minister responsible for armaments and munitions in 1942.
Speer Describes Mauthausen Inspection
Speer described a wartime visit to Mauthausen undertaken while inspecting industrial projects and explained what he said he knew about work and construction around the camp.
Speer Discusses Concentration Camp Labour in Industry
Speer testified about the employment of concentration-camp prisoners in armaments factories and described the conditions he claimed to have observed during industrial inspections.
Speer Discusses Labour Allocation Demands
The defence examined how Speer's offices submitted labour requirements for armaments production while the actual recruitment and allocation machinery operated through other agencies.
Speer Explains Armaments Production Organization
Speer outlined the industrial committees, ministry offices and production controls through which his administration attempted to increase armaments output during the later war years.
Speer Explains Expansion of Armaments Authority
His testimony traced the enlargement of his ministry's authority over armaments production and explained the administrative structure used to coordinate German war industry.
Speer Rejects Extermination by Work as Industrial Policy
Speer rejected the suggestion that deliberate exhaustion or destruction of workers could serve armaments industry, arguing that such turnover would undermine production itself.
Speer Takes Oath for Defence Testimony
Speer took the witness stand, stated his full name and swore the Tribunal's oath before beginning his evidence in his own defence.
Speer Accepts Responsibility for Orders He Carried Out
He stated that he accepted responsibility for directives issued within his own sphere and for Hitler's orders that he personally implemented, while distinguishing actions he did not execute.
Speer Accepts Share of Reich Leadership Responsibility
Speer told the Tribunal that, as an important member of the Reich leadership from 1942, he accepted a share of responsibility for the catastrophe produced by the war.
Speer Calls Final Months of Fighting Senseless
Speer told the Tribunal that the sacrifices made after January 1945 were senseless and argued that continued fighting only increased deaths and destruction after defeat had become inevitable.
Speer Dates Full Armaments Commitment to January 1945
Speer testified that he devoted his full efforts to maximizing German armaments production until the middle of January 1945, when his conduct began to change.
Speer Describes Attempts to Shorten the War
His testimony described measures taken during the final months of the conflict that he said were intended to reduce destruction and bring an already lost war to an earlier end.
Speer Describes Efforts to Preserve Bridges and Transport
Speer explained efforts to limit demolition of bridges and communications infrastructure, including discussions with military commanders as Allied forces advanced into Germany.
Speer Describes Opposition to Industrial Destruction in the West
Speer described intervening against proposed destruction of industrial facilities in western occupied territories and said he accepted personal responsibility for preventing some demolitions.
Speer Describes Resistance to Scorched Earth Orders
Speer testified that he opposed Hitler's scorched-earth policy because destruction of factories, utilities and transport systems would leave the German population without a viable economic base.
Speer Explains Measures to Protect Mines and Industry
He recounted issuing unauthorized instructions intended to preserve coal mines, ore facilities and other productive assets as German forces withdrew from western areas.
Speer Presents March Memorandum Opposing Destruction
The defence introduced Speer's March 1945 memorandum warning Hitler that systematic destruction of industry, transport and supply facilities would make post-war survival and reconstruction far more difficult.
Jackson Cross Examines Speer on Wartime Responsibility
Robert Jackson cross-examined Speer about the reach of his authority, his knowledge of labour conditions and the extent to which ministerial responsibility followed from wartime decisions.
Soviet Prosecution Questions Speer on Economic Plunder
Soviet prosecutor Mikhail Raginsky questioned Speer about exploitation of occupied territories and sought to connect his economic administration with wartime plunder and removal of resources.
Speer Clarifies Historical and Criminal Responsibility
On redirect examination, Speer explained that his acceptance of common responsibility referred to leadership responsibility before Germany and history, while leaving criminal liability for the Tribunal to decide.
Speer Defence Evidence Concludes
After final questions and submission of supporting documents, Speer's counsel closed the evidentiary presentation of his defence before the International Military Tribunal.
Grothmann Gives Commission Evidence
Grothmann provides evidence for the defence concerning SS administration and his service within Heinrich Himmler's personal staff.
Ahrens Testifies on Katyn Issue
Ahrens gives evidence during proceedings addressing competing allegations concerning the killings of Polish officers at Katyn.
Defence Final Arguments Enter Closing Phase
The Tribunal begins the final phase of defence argument after months of evidence from defendants, witnesses and documentary exhibits.
Horn Opens Final Defence Plea for Ribbentrop
Defence counsel Martin Horn began his final plea for Ribbentrop, arguing that the former Foreign Minister's diplomatic activities did not establish criminal responsibility for aggressive war.
Horn Continues Final Argument on Ribbentrop Responsibility
Horn continued the final defence argument, addressing Ribbentrop's relationship with Hitler, the limits of Foreign Office authority and allegations concerning war crimes and persecution.
Wahl Gives Commission Testimony on Party Leadership
Wahl gives evidence concerning Gauleiter responsibilities and the structure of the Nazi Party leadership organization.
Speer Defence Final Argument Presented
Defence counsel Hans Flachsner delivered the final argument for Speer, disputing charges of aggressive-war responsibility and addressing forced labour, concentration camps and Speer's late-war opposition to destruction.
Jackson Delivers Final Prosecution Argument
Jackson delivers a final prosecution address summarising the American case for individual responsibility and judgment on the charged crimes.
French Prosecution Gives Final Address
Champetier de Ribes presents France's concluding argument on the evidence and responsibility of the defendants.
Soviet Prosecution Concludes Final Argument
Rudenko completes the Soviet closing case, asking the Tribunal to convict the principal defendants and criminal organizations.
Hoeppner Testifies on Security Administration
Hoeppner appears during the organizational defence and gives evidence about Security Service administration and responsibilities.
Schlegelberger Testifies on Justice Ministry
Schlegelberger explains Justice Ministry administration and legal policy during the Nazi period in testimony before the Tribunal.
Eberstein Testifies on SS and Police Structure
Eberstein gives evidence concerning the organization of SS and police commands during the defence case on alleged criminal organizations.
Hausser Testifies on Waffen-SS
Hausser describes the Waffen-SS command structure and argues distinctions between military formations and other branches of the SS.
Morgen Testifies on SS Camp Investigations
Morgen describes investigations he conducted into corruption and killings within concentration camps while serving as an SS judicial officer.
Roessner Testifies in SS Organization Case
Roessner appears during defence evidence concerning the SS and answers questions about institutional structure and individual functions.
Manstein Testifies for German High Command
Manstein appears for the defence of the General Staff and High Command, describing senior command structure and military decision-making.
Gruss Testifies in Organizations Case
Gruss appears during the defence evidence concerning indicted organizations and answers questions about membership and institutional responsibility.
Juettner Testifies on SS Main Office
Juettner gives evidence concerning the SS Main Office, Waffen-SS administration and issues raised in the organizational case.
Schreiber Testifies on Military Medical Research
Schreiber gives evidence about German military medical administration and research discussed during the late stages of the IMT.
Goering Gives Final Statement to Tribunal
Goering uses his final opportunity to address the judges after the close of evidence and argument.
Ribbentrop Delivers Final Statement to Tribunal
Ribbentrop used his final statement to reject the prosecution's interpretation of German foreign policy and to deny that he had knowingly planned a war of aggression.
Schacht Gives Final Statement before Deliberations
Schacht makes his final courtroom statement before the Tribunal adjourns for judgment.
Seyss-Inquart Gives Final Statement
Seyss-Inquart addresses the judges for the last time before deliberations begin.
Speer Gives Final Statement before Judgment
Speer addresses the Tribunal in his last statement before the judges retire to consider the final judgment.
Tribunal Adjourns to Prepare Judgment
Lawrence adjourns the court after final statements so the judges can complete deliberations on guilt, organizations and sentences.
Judgment Reading Begins
Lawrence opens the public reading of the Tribunal's judgment, which continues into the following day.
General Staff and High Command Not Declared Criminal
The Tribunal refuses to designate the General Staff and High Command as a criminal organization, while leaving individual responsibility unaffected.
Gestapo Declared Criminal Organization
The Tribunal declares the Gestapo criminal within the limits stated in its judgment, enabling later proceedings against qualifying members.
IMT Verdict for Albert Speer
Speer is convicted and receives twenty years imprisonment for forced-labour exploitation and his senior role in the German war economy.
IMT Verdict for Alfred Jodl
Jodl is convicted and condemned to death for his participation in aggressive planning and criminal military operations.
IMT Verdict for Alfred Rosenberg
Rosenberg is convicted and condemned to death for his role in Nazi ideology, occupation policy and persecution.
IMT Verdict for Arthur Seyss-Inquart
Seyss-Inquart is convicted and sentenced to death for occupation policies, deportations and other crimes in the Netherlands and elsewhere.
IMT Verdict for Baldur von Schirach
Schirach is convicted of crimes against humanity for deportations from Vienna and is sentenced to twenty years imprisonment.
IMT Verdict for Erich Raeder
Raeder is convicted and given life imprisonment for his role in naval planning and participation in aggressive war.
IMT Verdict for Ernst Kaltenbrunner
Kaltenbrunner is convicted and sentenced to death for war crimes and crimes against humanity connected with the security apparatus.
IMT Verdict for Franz von Papen
Von Papen is acquitted because the Tribunal does not find the evidence sufficient to establish guilt under the charged international crimes.
IMT Verdict for Fritz Sauckel
Sauckel is sentenced to death after conviction for the mass deportation and exploitation of forced labourers.
IMT Verdict for Hans Frank
Frank receives a death sentence after conviction for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in occupied Poland.
IMT Verdict for Hans Fritzsche
Fritzsche is acquitted after the Tribunal finds that his propaganda activities do not meet the criminal threshold of the indictment.
IMT Verdict for Hermann Wilhelm Goering
The Tribunal convicts Goering and sentences him to death for his leading role in aggressive war and other crimes.
IMT Verdict for Hjalmar Schacht
Schacht is acquitted after the Tribunal concludes that the charges proved against him do not establish criminal responsibility under the indictment.
IMT Verdict for Joachim von Ribbentrop
Ribbentrop is convicted and sentenced to death for his central diplomatic role in aggression and related crimes.
IMT Verdict for Julius Streicher
Streicher is convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death for sustained incitement to anti-Jewish persecution.
IMT Verdict for Karl Doenitz
Doenitz is convicted on selected counts and sentenced to ten years imprisonment for his wartime leadership and participation in aggressive war.
IMT Verdict for Konstantin von Neurath
Von Neurath is convicted and sentenced to fifteen years for participation in aggression and occupation policies, including his rule in Bohemia and Moravia.
IMT Verdict for Martin Bormann
Bormann is convicted in absentia and sentenced to death for his role in persecution and the Nazi Party leadership.
IMT Verdict for Rudolf Hess
Hess is convicted and receives life imprisonment for conspiracy and crimes against peace.
IMT Verdict for Walter Funk
Funk is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for his economic role in the Nazi regime and exploitation of occupied Europe.
IMT Verdict for Wilhelm Frick
Frick is convicted and sentenced to death for his part in Nazi state policy, occupation administration and persecution.
IMT Verdict for Wilhelm Keitel
Keitel is found guilty on all four counts and receives a death sentence for his role in criminal military orders and aggressive war.
Nazi Leadership Corps Declared Criminal
The Tribunal finds specified levels of the Nazi Party Leadership Corps to constitute a criminal organization.
SA Not Declared Criminal Organization
The Tribunal declines to declare the SA criminal as an organization under the Charter.
SS and SD Declared Criminal Organizations
The Tribunal declares the SS, including the SD, criminal subject to the qualifications set out in the judgment.
Execution of Goering
At about 22:45 on 15 October 1946, Goering bit a concealed potassium-cyanide capsule in his Nuremberg Prison cell and died before his scheduled hanging; guards and medical staff found him moments later.
Goering Dies by Suicide before Execution
Goering kills himself with cyanide on the night before the scheduled executions, avoiding the death sentence by hanging.
Execution of Frank
At about 01:58 on 16 October 1946, Frank was hanged after quietly thanking his captors for their treatment and asking God for mercy before the trap was released.
Execution of Frick
At 02:08 on 16 October 1946, Frick was hanged in the prison gymnasium after stating 'Long live eternal Germany'; contemporary accounts record him being pronounced dead at about 02:20.
Execution of Jodl
At 02:34 on 16 October 1946, Jodl was hanged after giving a brief final greeting to Germany; he remained on the gallows while the last condemned prisoner was brought in.
Execution of Kaltenbrunner
At 01:39 on 16 October 1946, Kaltenbrunner was hanged after giving a final statement; contemporary reporting records the trap being sprung while Keitel remained on the adjacent gallows.
Execution of Keitel
At about 01:20 on 16 October 1946, Keitel was hanged in the Nuremberg Prison gymnasium shortly after von Ribbentrop, having delivered a final statement before the trap was released.
Execution of Rosenberg
At 01:49 on 16 October 1946, Rosenberg was hanged at Nuremberg Prison; he declined to make a final statement before the hood and noose were placed and the trap released.
Execution of Sauckel
At 02:26 on 16 October 1946, Sauckel was hanged after declaring his innocence and speaking about Germany and his family; the trap was released while Streicher's execution was still being completed.
Execution of Seyss-Inquart
At 02:45 on 16 October 1946, Seyss-Inquart became the last of the ten men hanged, after making a final statement expressing hope that the execution would close the war's tragedy.
Execution of Streicher
At 02:14 on 16 October 1946, Streicher was hanged after shouting from the scaffold and addressing his wife; eyewitnesses reported movement and groaning after the trap opened.
Execution of von Ribbentrop
At 01:16 on 16 October 1946, von Ribbentrop was hanged in the prison gymnasium by U.S. Army executioner John C. Woods after identifying himself and making a final statement.
Frank Executed following IMT Conviction
Frank is hanged after receiving a death sentence for crimes committed under his rule in occupied Poland.
Frick Executed at Nuremberg Prison
Frick is executed by hanging after conviction for his participation in Nazi state policy, aggression and persecution.
Jodl Executed following IMT Death Sentence
Jodl is hanged after conviction for crimes connected with aggressive war and criminal military operations.
Kaltenbrunner Executed after Judgment
Kaltenbrunner is hanged following conviction for war crimes and crimes against humanity connected with the Nazi security apparatus.
Keitel Executed at Nuremberg Prison
Keitel is executed by hanging for the crimes on which the International Military Tribunal convicted him.
Ribbentrop Executed after IMT Sentence
Ribbentrop is hanged after the Tribunal's death sentence becomes final and clemency petitions fail.
Rosenberg Executed at Nuremberg
Rosenberg is put to death by hanging after the Tribunal condemns his role in Nazi occupation policy and persecution.
Sauckel Executed for Forced Labour Crimes
Sauckel is hanged at Nuremberg Prison after the judgment fixes personal responsibility for directing the wartime forced-labour programme.
Seyss-Inquart Executed at Nuremberg Prison
Seyss-Inquart is executed by hanging after conviction for aggression, occupation crimes and persecution.
Streicher Executed after Crimes against Humanity Conviction
Streicher is hanged after the Tribunal finds him guilty of crimes against humanity arising from sustained incitement to persecution.
General Order 301 Supports Subsequent Trial Programme
United States Forces issue General Order 301 as part of the administrative authority supporting the later Nuremberg military tribunals.
Taylor Assigned Leadership of Subsequent U.S. Trials
Taylor assumes responsibility for the American programme of subsequent Nuremberg prosecutions against professional and institutional groups beyond the principal Nazi leaders.
Beals Adopts Medical Tribunal Rules
Beals presided when Military Tribunal I formally adopted procedural rules governing the Medical Case before the doctors' trial opened.
Crawford Joins Medical Tribunal Rules Meeting
Crawford participated in the pre-trial meeting at which Military Tribunal I settled the procedural framework for the forthcoming prosecution of medical defendants.
Sebring Signs Medical Tribunal Procedure Rules
Sebring joined the tribunal in approving rules that established how motions, evidence and courtroom procedure would be handled in the Medical Case.
Swearingen Serves as Alternate at Medical Tribunal Rules Session
Swearingen attended as alternate judge when the Medical Tribunal approved its rules and prepared the court for the first Subsequent Nuremberg proceeding.
Milch Trial Indictment
Milch was indicted on charges involving forced labour, medical experiments and crimes against humanity.
Lahousen Testifies on Abwehr Criminal Orders
Lahousen describes discussions and orders within German military intelligence concerning sabotage, executions and criminal methods used during the war.
Beals Opens Doctors Trial as Presiding Judge
Beals opened the Medical Case and directed the first trial session against physicians and officials accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Doctors Trial Opens
Taylor opened the prosecution of physicians and administrators in the first Subsequent Nuremberg Proceeding.
Medical Case Tests Responsibility for Human Experimentation
The first subsequent proceeding examines physicians and administrators accused of criminal medical experiments and other abuses committed under state authority.
Doctors Trial High-Altitude Evidence Presented
The prosecution introduces evidence on Dachau high-altitude experiments and the use of concentration-camp prisoners in lethal aviation research.
Doctors Trial Freezing Experiment Evidence Presented
The prosecution presents evidence concerning freezing experiments at Dachau and the suffering imposed on prisoners used as human test subjects.
Doctors Trial Malaria Experiment Evidence Presented
The prosecution turns to malaria experiments conducted on prisoners and the medical responsibility of officials connected with the programme.
Doctors Trial Seawater Experiment Evidence Presented
Evidence is introduced about seawater experiments intended to test survival methods while prisoners endured dangerous deprivation.
Doctors Trial Sterilization Evidence Presented
The prosecution presents the programme of sterilization experiments designed to develop methods for suppressing reproduction among targeted populations.
Doctors Trial Skeleton Collection Evidence Presented
The court hears evidence about the plan to murder selected Jewish prisoners for an anatomical skeleton collection.
Doctors Trial Sulfanilamide Experiment Evidence Presented
The prosecution details wound and drug experiments in which prisoners were deliberately injured to test sulfanilamide treatment.
Milch Trial Arraignment
Milch was arraigned before Military Tribunal II and pleaded not guilty.
Subsequent Trials Extend Accountability beyond Top Leaders
The American programme targets doctors, judges, industrialists, SS administrators, diplomats and military commanders whose conduct was not resolved by the IMT.