Question

At the trials many nazis defended themselves by saying they were only following orders. What does this rationale tell you about the german military? Why was it important to negate this justification ?

Answer 1

Answer: Brutal military organization, fear of authority, and lack of empathy.

Explanation:

That statement speaks of a fierce military structure in the German army. Such a statement is not isolated; it is a common phrase used by a war criminal. It is, in fact, an individual dismissal of responsibility for a crime that is not justified because these people could have refused to execute the order.

On the other hand, there was a fear of certain sanctions if individual orders were not killed, but this could not and should not be used as an excuse at any time. Such statements indicate that these individuals are, in fact, people without attitude, people who lack empathy, or are influenced by completeness, so they believe that evil is right. It is essential to refute such statements also for the sake of the higher good since humanity touched the civilization floor during the Second World War.