The Nuremberg Trials

After World War II ended in 1945, the world wanted to hold Nazi leaders responsible for the terrible things they had done. A series of trials were held in the city of Nuremberg, Germany. For the first time in history, leaders of a country were put on trial for crimes against humanity. The Nuremberg Trials showed that no one is above the law, not even the most powerful leaders.

The Trials Begin

The trials started in November 1945. Judges from the United States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union presided over the court. Twenty-two top Nazi leaders were put on trial first. They were accused of planning the war and of terrible crimes against millions of people. The trials were broadcast on radio so that people around the world could follow along. Mountains of evidence and witness testimony were presented.

Justice and Legacy

Some of the Nazi leaders were found guilty and sentenced to death or prison. A few were found not guilty. The trials were important because they established that following orders is not an excuse for committing terrible acts. The Nuremberg Trials helped create international laws about human rights. They inspired the creation of the International Criminal Court, which still works to bring justice to the world today.

Fun Facts

• The Nuremberg Trials lasted almost a year, from November 1945 to October 1946.
• Translators had to work in four languages during the trials: English, French, Russian, and German.
• The trials produced thousands of pages of documents and evidence.

Did You Know?

The Nuremberg Trials were the first time that a special international court was set up to judge leaders for crimes against peace and crimes against humanity.