West Germans and the Nazi Legacy

Focusing on the memory cultures in West Germany, this book examines the impact of war crimes trials on societal perceptions of the Nazi legacy. It explores community reactions to ongoing investigations and the trials of individuals implicated in wartime atrocities, including concentration camp guards and police involved in the resettlement of Polish Jews. Through various case studies, it highlights regional differences in responses shaped by distinct political, social, and religious contexts, revealing the complex relationship between communities and their Nazi past.