West Germans and the Nazi Legacy

This insightful work examines the complexities of memory and identity in post-war West Germany, focusing on the societal responses to Nazi war crimes trials during the 1960s.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate memory cultures that emerged in post-war West Germany, particularly focusing on the societal attitudes towards the second wave of Nazi war crimes trials that took place during the 1960s. It delves into the public's reactions to the ongoing investigations and the various responses to the defendants, highlighting how these trials resonated within local communities. Through a series of case studies from across the Federal Republic, the author bridges the gap between contemporary historiography and localized memory studies, providing a nuanced analysis of the war crimes trials.

Rather than portraying the 1960s as a straightforward decade of transformation, West Germans and the Nazi Legacy emphasizes the multitude of voices that sought to be acknowledged during this time. These voices included survivors' groups, determined journalists, university students, as well as former prisoners of war and veterans' organizations. This rich tapestry of opinions and experiences contributed to the persistence of silences, distortions, and mythologies that allowed a certain degree of separation between the perpetrators of the Nazi atrocities and the ordinary populace of West Germany.

The journey towards 'coming to terms with the past' was far from simple and was marked by complexity and delay. By examining the diverse perspectives and the historical context, the book sheds light on the ongoing struggle of West Germans to reckon with their Nazi legacy, revealing the intricate dynamics of memory and identity in a society grappling with its past.