A Fair Assessment of Franz von Papen

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

[Lincoln Republican]

He spoke at Marburg in 1934 against National Socialism.

It probably got him acquitted at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

He spoke at Marburg in 1934 against National Socialism.

It probably got him acquitted at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials.

Well, von Papen was clearly not guilty of the Nuremberg charges, as he lost position and power way before the war and even if he formally remained in Hitler's cabinet (like Schacht, who has a sinecure as "minister without portfolio" until his 1944 arrest), it's unlikely he'd be in any position of responsibility.

Von Papen was obviously guilty, from historical and political point, for Hitler's rise to power. In Nuremberg Goering commented Ribbentrop did indeed deserve to be hanged, but for his stupidity. If incredible political stupidity were among Nuremberg charges, Papen would hung too.

[Lincoln Republican]

Nonetheless, he came very close to being convicted, because the American and British judges voted to acquit while the Soviet and  French judges voted to convict, so he was acquitted on a tie vote by the Nuremberg court.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Nonetheless, he came very close to being convicted, because the American and British judges voted to acquit while the Soviet and  French judges voted to convict, so he was acquitted on a tie vote by the Nuremberg court.

I think the only somewhat plausible justification of conviction would be him being Ambassador to Austria when the Anschluss occured.

[Lincoln Republican]

To anyone interested in this period of history, and in particular the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials, I highly recommend the book

The Trial of the Germans: An Account of the Twenty-two Defendants before the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg

by Eugene Davidson

I believe it to be the definitive book on this subject.

I read this book years ago, and found it to be masterfully written and very compelling.

[Lincoln Republican]

Don't flatter yourself.  I know you too well.

I am hopeful that I was able to educate you on the subject, which was my intent.

Goodness knows you need it.