Investigation of Denazification in Post-War Germany 1945-1950

Abstract

This paper investigates the background of occupation policies which the Allied Forces planned to implement after the defeat of Germany with the focus on denazification, the means of implementation first during the Mobile Combat Phase and later under Military Government is explored. It is shown that the conflicting attitudes of the Allies during the planning stage as well as the disparity between political and military planners in the U.S. was reflected in the eventual application of the directives resulting in their often arbitrary interpretation. The decision to turn over denazification to the Germans in 1946 was the major point in the evolution of the denazification program. The methods used by the Allies and the laws established by the Germans to deal with removal of nazis from public life are investigated. Some conclusions are drawn about the success or failure of the original plan.