4. Knowledge and links with the concentration camp system Flashcards
At Nuremberg trial, what did he deny knowledge and accept responsibility of?
denied knowledge of ‘Final Solution’ but accepted responsibility in carrying it out as senior member of gov
what did his actions at Nuremberg trials leave a an impression of? QUOTE
positive impression
American Journalist William Shirer “[he] spoke honestly and with no attempt to shirk his responsibility and his guilt”
what was used from 1943?
PoWs from Russia used in armaments factories in breach of Geneva Conventions.
What did Speer always deny?
denied that he knew about the mass-murder (genocide) of European Jews in Nazi concentration camps
What did Posen conference provide?
provided enough evidence to incriminate Speer as having insight into genocide
when was Posen conference?
6 October 1943
What evidence from Posen Conference?
Himmler communicated the plans for the Final Solution. Himmler made it known that the Jews were being destroyed and it was being carried out for the good of the Third Reich.
What excuse did Speer make about the Posen conference evidence?
Even though Speer attended the conference, he later argued that he had left before Himmler made his speech
What does Goldhagen argue?
Speer’s assertions to be false as Himmler spoke about the ‘final solution’ at the Posen Conference that Speer attended
how does Goldhagen support his claim?
makes direct reference to ‘party comrade Speer’ – in the same speech speaks of the Final Solution (extermination of Jews)
However, Speer claims to have not known of the final solution and been ‘at lunch’ at the time
what does evidence of this issue show overall ?
neither condemns Speer nor does it validate his claims, highlighting the incompetency of sources in recreating accurate portrayals of the past and uncovering the truth as to whether he was committed to the Nazi Party ideals
