Hitler's Rise to PowerHitler was democratically elected during the tumultuous post-WWI era of Germany. However, the conspiracy to assume dictatorship and pursue military expansion was considered a conspiracy to commit aggressive war, later deemed a crime in international law.
"And so I believe to-day that my conduct is in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator. In standing guard against the Jew I am defending the handiwork of the Lord" - Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf |
Images: National Holocaust Memorial Museum, University of California at Santa Barbara
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"At the risk of appearing to talk nonsense I tell you that the National Socialist movement will go on for 1,000 years! Don't forget how people laughed at me 15 years ago when I declared that one day I would govern Germany. They laugh now, just as foolishly, when I declare that I shall remain in power!"
- Adolf Hitler, 1934
The Nazi PlanThe Nazi plan was to conquer territories to increase Aryan "living space." The war of conquest was planned in advance and known to all levels of Nazi hierarchy; involvement in this plan was considered conspiracy to commit crimes against peace and war crimes.
“From the moment the Nazis seized power, they set about feverish but stealthy efforts, in defiance of the Versailles Treaty, to arm for war." - Justice Robert H. Jackson, Closing Address to the International Military Tribunal |
Hitler giving a speech at a rally
(Imperial War Museums) |
Moving Toward War
German Expansion until 1939
(German Historical institute) |
In clear violation of the Treaty of Versailles (a crime against peace), Germany began to re-militarize and expand territory; however, the international community failed to uphold their responsibility to intervene. "We cannot tell whether Hitler will be the man who will once again let loose upon the world another war in which civilization will irretrievably succumb, or whether he will go down in history as the man who restored honor and peace of mind to the Great Germanic nation." - Winston Churchill |
"Within ten years at the latest it will be possible for us in this way to dictate the law of Adolf Hitler to Europe, put a halt to the otherwise inevitable decay of this continet, and build up a true community of nations, with Germany as the leading power keeping order."
- Anonymous SS Soldier
Beginning a War of Conquest
Progression of European Territory during WWII
Blue: Nazi allies and territories Red: Opponents of Nazi Germany Green: Neutral, Future Combatant White: Neutral, Permanently Noncombatant (Wikimedia Commons) |
Germany invaded non-combatant areas in order to gain land, later considered waging aggressive war, a crime against peace.
Footage of the Nazi invasion of Poland
(US National Archives) |
Polish city of Jaslo, 97% destroyed by Wehrmacht units
(Traces of War) |
Germany in the WarIn violation of the Geneva Conventions and considered war crimes, Germany mistreated prisoners of war and ordered the invasion and destruction of areas even when militarily unnecessary.
"Hostages in large numbers were demanded and killed. Mass punishments were inflicted, so savage that whole communities were extinguished." - Robert H. Jackson, Opening Statements of the Nuremberg Trials |
Civilian CasualtiesThe targeting of civilian areas for bombing raids was considered a major war crime.
"International law at all times before and during this war spoke with precision and authority respecting the protection due civilians of an occupied country and the slave trade and plunder of occupied countries was at all times flagrantly unlawful." - Justice Robert H. Jackson, Closing Arguments of the IMT |
Children in London after the Blitz
(National Archives) |
