All students are required to comment once a week. A week goes from Monday to Sunday. A comment can be a response to my or others' posts --- or a new post. All posts must be relevant to class discussions and assignments. Each post should be 1-3 paragraphs. Remember, it is OK to disagree with one another, but we must always be RESPECTFUL of one another.
Monday, October 26, 2009
“I was just following orders.”
A lot of Nazis after the war, when they went on trial, said that they were “just following orders.” Explore how authority can make people do things they wouldn’t normally do. Are you responsible for “just following orders?"
After the war when Nazis went on trial, it seemed as if they blamed following their orders for things they shouldn't have done. Even thought they might've followed orders, doesn't mean that the things they followed were good. They don't have the right to blame other people or things for their actions. They are responsible for their wrong doings throughout the war and could've told someone they didn't want to do it at the time. Since they didn't try to put a stop to it, it made it seem like they didn't mind destroying people's lives and didn't mind hurting them. However, if they tried to stop the people trying to start the orders, they should be held less responsible for it. Also, the people involved in this situation should've thought about what was going to happen after the war was over and how they were going to be held charge for it. This shows how you should think before you act and that they definatley should've done that in this situation. They probably learned that people make wiser decisions on your own then having someone else telling you how to do it.
Yes, I do believe they were following orders. But there were some they didn't have to follow. After World War 1, Germany signed the Geneva Convention. One of the restrictions was that they couldn't shoot at unarmed citizans. Many of the signed document's rules were broken by Nazi Germany. I understand that there was nothing the Nazi soldiers could do, but Germany should have followed these rules. Unfortunatley these were the rules the Nazi's had to follow. Adolf Hitler had the most authority since he was the dictator. Many people praised him. Hoping that all of the there worries were over. Also they followed his every move.
Yes, I understand that the Nazi's were just following orders. But just because they were following order doesn't mean it was the right thing to do. For example if let's say I, give you an order to go jump of a brige to your death. How is that order any different then ordering you to kill a family of jewish people. I understand that they were trying to say alive but look at all the people that had to suffer. It's not right, and anothere thing these people the jewish people aren't a threat to Germany at all. So why kill someone for just being who they are? I believe that you can make your own choice even in times Holacaust.
Sometimes the authority can make us do things that are insainly wrong, but that doesn't mean we ahve to listen. The a lot of the nazi soldiers were forced to do what they did or Hitler would kill their family. Many of the Nazi's themselves feared Hitler's wraith, but they forgot an important fact. They forgot that Hitler was just a human! The people who were forced to do things could have revolted, but they were so brainwashed that they thought Hitler was too powerful. There's no exuse for why someone can kill people like that. We are all human and are capable of our own actions.
Authority can make people do things that they normally wouldn’t do. If someone who has power over you tells you to do something, naturally you will follow their commands in fear of the consequences if you do not. However, that doesn’t mean I agree with the Nazi’s excuse that they were ‘just following orders’. This is not a good excuse. For something very minor, this could possibly pass as an alright excuse, but for a crime, and especially on this degree, it is a terrible one. Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions, and can choose their own actions. It is true that in everyday life if someone tells you to do something you probably should in school or at a job. But, for a situation as awful as the Holocaust, people should understand that they should not follow these orders because it is the wrong choice to make.
"I was just following orders" is not an excuse. Everyone is responsible for their own actions. However, Nazis most likely used that as an excuse to kill Jews; most Nazis felt the same way about Jews as Hitler did and used his authority to kill Jews. Authority can make people do things they wouldn't normally do. For example, most Germans who felt the same way Hitler did wouldn't have killed Jews without the authority of Hitler. Some Germans could have been waiting for some kind of power that blame their actions on. Although,when under authority, many people do things they wouldn't normally do because they don't want to face punishment. If Nazis didn;t follow orders, the penalty would typically be death, but in my opinion, I would rather die that to witness and take part in the death of millions. I am, as is everyone, responsible for "just following orders"
In war one of the most important things is that you follow what your leader(s) need you to do, because that is why the soldier is there, that is thier purpose. In war time you need to follow the comands of your leader but you still are responsible for your own actions, the ruling from the neuremburg trails. Having such a harsh ruler i believe that the nazis' were afraid to do what they feel is right to a certian extent becuase they knew that if they dont follow directions they may be killed just as the jewish people were. it can be argued that hitlers forces were almost brain-washeed like the jewish poeple were becuase they did anything for the man, in a sense they were the selfish ones becusae they would rather kill a whole slew of people rather than get killed and not par-take in the killing of those six-million jewish poeple. I would personally agree with the nazi people that they were just following orders becuase when it comes down to it they really didnt have too much of a chioce to make, it was either do it or just get killed. I think even as mean as it sounds we would follow the orders rather that ty to be the couragueos one and speak out and risk being killed.
I believe that the Nazis who were charged were guilty even if they did not have any will to do what they were ordered to do. It is very important that a person in this situation knows what to do and what is right from wrong. The nazi on trial could have denied the order even if it ment regection from the army. If you come across a situation like this and you are asked to do something that you know is wrong, it is extremely important to make the right descision.
Authority can cause many people to do actions that they would not normally do through many such ways such as in fear of disobedience, fear of punishment, or even fear in death. Authority can be used to limit a person’s actions and in a time of crisis, such as in the Holocaust, soldiers were frightened at the horrendous ways people were being tortured and murdered so they had followed even the most appalling commands in order to avert being a victim of these atrocious events. Hitler had dictated the Nazis through the authority of terror, meaning that if a Nazi soldier had disobeyed his commands, then that soldier would be subdued to an inevitable death. This had forced many Nazis to follow the commands that they were given without any hesitation. During World War 2 authority was given to those who had supported Hitler’s wrath and his most strict principals. The dictator has created an infallible way of authority by giving absolute authority to the one’s he had most trusted and distributing this throughout the ranks of the Nazis based on their achievements and their rank. Authority had become somewhat like a chain linked from the top to the bottom based on trustworthiness, influence, power, support, and leadership. Those who were higher up had demonstrated more authority than those who were lower down on the chain. Nazis had no choice when they were given orders by a higher ranked commander so they had to follow the instructions thoroughly otherwise they would be killed, or eliminated from the chain. Nazis were responsible for “just following orders” but the actions they did may not necessarily be their fault.
You are responsible even if you were "just following orders." Although the Nazis were brainwashed in a way, they had to follow orders if they wanted to live. Even though they were doing these things for their lives, most enjoyed taunting the Jews. They liked feeling powerful, so even though they were "following orders" they were doing it willingly. Also, none of the Nazis tried to help the Jews. If anything, they were tring to get the Jews introuble so they would have a reason to hit them. Ofcourse, not ALL Nazis agreed with Hitler. Some tried to help the Jews, they could have given them alittle food or gave them advice, these Nazis should still be punished but their punishment should be less. These Nazis obviously did not want to hurt the Jews, they were the ones who really followed orders. I definitly think that the higher ranked Nazis and the ones in the concontration camps should be punished much more than the ones who were fighting for their countries because the soldiers on the front were like any other country fighting. Nazis weren't just men, there was a younger group of Nazis. Kids could join and become pilots, fighters, generals, ect. These Nazis' punishment should be less than the ones on the front and in the concentration camps, but more than the ones who helped Jews. Since most of the younger division were kids, they shouldn't be put in jail unless they are of age. Most of the kids who went into the Nazi side were forced either by Hitler or their family.
You are responsible even if you were "just following orders." Although the Nazis were brainwashed in a way, they had to follow orders if they wanted to live. Even though they were doing these things for their lives, most enjoyed taunting the Jews. They liked feeling powerful, so even though they were "following orders" they were doing it willingly. Also, none of the Nazis tried to help the Jews. If anything, they were tring to get the Jews introuble so they would have a reason to hit them. Ofcourse, not ALL Nazis agreed with Hitler. Some tried to help the Jews, they could have given them alittle food or gave them advice, these Nazis should still be punished but their punishment should be less. These Nazis obviously did not want to hurt the Jews, they were the ones who really followed orders. I definitly think that the higher ranked Nazis and the ones in the concontration camps should be punished much more than the ones who were fighting for their countries because the soldiers on the front were like any other country fighting. Nazis weren't just men, there was a younger group of Nazis. Kids could join and become pilots, fighters, generals, ect. These Nazis' punishment should be less than the ones on the front and in the concentration camps, but more than the ones who helped Jews. Since most of the younger division were kids, they shouldn't be put in jail unless they are of age. Most of the kids who went into the Nazi side were forced either by Hitler or their family.
Yes, I understand that the Nazi's were just following orders. But just because they were following order doesn't mean it was the right thing to do. For example if let's say I, give you an order to go jump of a brige to your death. How is that order any different then ordering you to kill a family of jewish people. I understand that they were trying to say alive but look at all the people that had to suffer. It's not right, and anothere thing these people the jewish people aren't a threat to Germany at all. So why kill someone for just being who they are? I believe that you can make your own choice even in times Holacaust.
In war one of the most important things is that you follow what your leader(s) need you to do, because that is why the soldier is there, that is thier purpose. In war time you need to follow the comands of your leader but you still are responsible for your own actions, the ruling from the neuremburg trails. Having such a harsh ruler i believe that the nazis' were afraid to do what they feel is right to a certian extent becuase they knew that if they dont follow directions they may be killed just as the jewish people were. it can be argued that hitlers forces were almost brain-washeed like the jewish poeple were becuase they did anything for the man, in a sense they were the selfish ones becusae they would rather kill a whole slew of people rather than get killed and not par-take in the killing of those six-million jewish poeple. I would personally agree with the nazi people that they were just following orders becuase when it comes down to it they really didnt have too much of a chioce to make, it was either do it or just get killed. I think even as mean as it sounds we would follow the orders rather that ty to be the couragueos one and speak out and risk being killed.
I believe that the Nazis who were charged were guilty even if they did not have any will to do what they were ordered to do. It is very important that a person in this situation knows what to do and what is right from wrong. The nazi on trial could have denied the order even if it ment regection from the army. If you come across a situation like this and you are asked to do something that you know is wrong, it is extremely important to make the right descision.
Hitler was mad with power, and so were most of his followers. They did mostly anything they wanted too, and many had no remorse. Everyone is responsible for their actions no matter what they do. The Nazi's were following orders but they should have understood that what they were doing was wrong. Some may not have wanted to do what they were told but if they hadn't they too would have been thrown in the concentration camps. It's said that so many innocent people were involved but it doesn't matter, what was done was done.
Yes, I do believe they were following orders. But there were some they didn't have to follow. After World War 1, Germany signed the Geneva Convention. One of the restrictions was that they couldn't shoot at unarmed citizans. Many of the signed document's rules were broken by Nazi Germany. I understand that there was nothing the Nazi soldiers could do, but Germany should have followed these rules. Unfortunatley these were the rules the Nazi's had to follow. Adolf Hitler had the most authority since he was the dictator. Many people praised him. Hoping that all of the there worries were over. Also they followed his every move.
Authority can cause many people to do actions that they would not normally do through many such ways such as in fear of disobedience, fear of punishment, or even fear in death. Authority can be used to limit a person’s actions and in a time of crisis, such as in the Holocaust, soldiers were frightened at the horrendous ways people were being tortured and murdered so they had followed even the most appalling commands in order to avert being a victim of these atrocious events. Hitler had dictated the Nazis through the authority of terror, meaning that if a Nazi soldier had disobeyed his commands, then that soldier would be subdued to an inevitable death. This had forced many Nazis to follow the commands that they were given without any hesitation. During World War 2 authority was given to those who had supported Hitler’s wrath and his most strict principals. The dictator has created an infallible way of authority by giving absolute authority to the one’s he had most trusted and distributing this throughout the ranks of the Nazis based on their achievements and their rank. Authority had become somewhat like a chain linked from the top to the bottom based on trustworthiness, influence, power, support, and leadership. Those who were higher up had demonstrated more authority than those who were lower down on the chain. Nazis had no choice when they were given orders by a higher ranked commander so they had to follow the instructions thoroughly otherwise they would be killed, or eliminated from the chain. Nazis were responsible for “just following orders” but the actions they did may not necessarily be their fault.
Authority can cause many people to do actions that they would not normally do through many such ways such as in fear of disobedience, fear of punishment, or even fear in death. Authority can be used to limit a person’s actions and in a time of crisis, such as in the Holocaust, soldiers were frightened at the horrendous ways people were being tortured and murdered so they had followed even the most appalling commands in order to avert being a victim of these atrocious events. Hitler had dictated the Nazis through the authority of terror, meaning that if a Nazi soldier had disobeyed his commands, then that soldier would be subdued to an inevitable death. This had forced many Nazis to follow the commands that they were given without any hesitation. During World War 2 authority was given to those who had supported Hitler’s wrath and his most strict principals. The dictator has created an infallible way of authority by giving absolute authority to the one’s he had most trusted and distributing this throughout the ranks of the Nazis based on their achievements and their rank. Authority had become somewhat like a chain linked from the top to the bottom based on trustworthiness, influence, power, support, and leadership. Those who were higher up had demonstrated more authority than those who were lower down on the chain. Nazis had no choice when they were given orders by a higher ranked commander so they had to follow the instructions thoroughly otherwise they would be killed, or eliminated from the chain. Nazis were responsible for “just following orders” but the actions they did may not necessarily be their fault.
After the war when Nazis went on trial, it seemed as if they blamed following their orders for things they shouldn't have done. Even thought they might've followed orders, doesn't mean that the things they followed were good. They don't have the right to blame other people or things for their actions. They are responsible for their wrong doings throughout the war and could've told someone they didn't want to do it at the time. Since they didn't try to put a stop to it, it made it seem like they didn't mind destroying people's lives and didn't mind hurting them. However, if they tried to stop the people trying to start the orders, they should be held less responsible for it. Also, the people involved in this situation should've thought about what was going to happen after the war was over and how they were going to be held charge for it. This shows how you should think before you act and that they definatley should've done that in this situation. They probably learned that people make wiser decisions on your own then having someone else telling you how to do it.
Authority can cause many people to do actions that they would not normally do through many such ways such as in fear of disobedience, fear of punishment, or even fear in death. Authority can be used to limit a person’s actions and in a time of crisis, such as in the Holocaust, soldiers were frightened at the horrendous ways people were being tortured and murdered so they had followed even the most appalling commands in order to avert being a victim of these atrocious events. Hitler had dictated the Nazis through the authority of terror, meaning that if a Nazi soldier had disobeyed his commands, then that soldier would be subdued to an inevitable death. This had forced many Nazis to follow the commands that they were given without any hesitation. During World War 2 authority was given to those who had supported Hitler’s wrath and his most strict principals. The dictator has created an infallible way of authority by giving absolute authority to the one’s he had most trusted and distributing this throughout the ranks of the Nazis based on their achievements and their rank. Authority had become somewhat like a chain linked from the top to the bottom based on trustworthiness, influence, power, support, and leadership. Those who were higher up had demonstrated more authority than those who were lower down on the chain. Nazis had no choice when they were given orders by a higher ranked commander so they had to follow the instructions thoroughly otherwise they would be killed, or eliminated from the chain. Nazis were responsible for “just following orders” but the actions they did may not necessarily be their fault.
alevy said... Authority can make people do things that they normally wouldn’t do. If someone who has power over you tells you to do something, naturally you will follow their commands in fear of the consequences if you do not. However, that doesn’t mean I agree with the Nazi’s excuse that they were ‘just following orders’. This is not a good excuse. For something very minor, this could possibly pass as an alright excuse, but for a crime, and especially on this degree, it is a terrible one. Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions, and can choose their own actions. It is true that in everyday life if someone tells you to do something you probably should in school or at a job. But, for a situation as awful as the Holocaust, people should understand that they should not follow these orders because it is the wrong choice to make.
21 comments:
After the war when Nazis went on trial, it seemed as if they blamed following their orders for things they shouldn't have done. Even thought they might've followed orders, doesn't mean that the things they followed were good. They don't have the right to blame other people or things for their actions. They are responsible for their wrong doings throughout the war and could've told someone they didn't want to do it at the time. Since they didn't try to put a stop to it, it made it seem like they didn't mind destroying people's lives and didn't mind hurting them. However, if they tried to stop the people trying to start the orders, they should be held less responsible for it. Also, the people involved in this situation should've thought about what was going to happen after the war was over and how they were going to be held charge for it. This shows how you should think before you act and that they definatley should've done that in this situation. They probably learned that people make wiser decisions on your own then having someone else telling you how to do it.
Yes, I do believe they were following orders. But there were some they didn't have to follow. After World War 1, Germany signed the Geneva Convention. One of the restrictions was that they couldn't shoot at unarmed citizans. Many of the signed document's rules were broken by Nazi Germany. I understand that there was nothing the Nazi soldiers could do, but Germany should have followed these rules. Unfortunatley these were the rules the Nazi's had to follow. Adolf Hitler had the most authority since he was the dictator. Many people praised him. Hoping that all of the there worries were over. Also they followed his every move.
Yes, I understand that the Nazi's were just following orders. But just because they were following order doesn't mean it was the right thing to do. For example if let's say I, give you an order to go jump of a brige to your death. How is that order any different then ordering you to kill a family of jewish people. I understand that they were trying to say alive but look at all the people that had to suffer. It's not right, and anothere thing these people the jewish people aren't a threat to Germany at all. So why kill someone for just being who they are? I believe that you can make your own choice even in times Holacaust.
Sometimes the authority can make us do things that are insainly wrong, but that doesn't mean we ahve to listen. The a lot of the nazi soldiers were forced to do what they did or Hitler would kill their family. Many of the Nazi's themselves feared Hitler's wraith, but they forgot an important fact. They forgot that Hitler was just a human! The people who were forced to do things could have revolted, but they were so brainwashed that they thought Hitler was too powerful. There's no exuse for why someone can kill people like that. We are all human and are capable of our own actions.
Authority can make people do things that they normally wouldn’t do. If someone who has power over you tells you to do something, naturally you will follow their commands in fear of the consequences if you do not. However, that doesn’t mean I agree with the Nazi’s excuse that they were ‘just following orders’. This is not a good excuse. For something very minor, this could possibly pass as an alright excuse, but for a crime, and especially on this degree, it is a terrible one. Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions, and can choose their own actions. It is true that in everyday life if someone tells you to do something you probably should in school or at a job. But, for a situation as awful as the Holocaust, people should understand that they should not follow these orders because it is the wrong choice to make.
"I was just following orders" is not an excuse. Everyone is responsible for their own actions. However, Nazis most likely used that as an excuse to kill Jews; most Nazis felt the same way about Jews as Hitler did and used his authority to kill Jews. Authority can make people do things they wouldn't normally do. For example, most Germans who felt the same way Hitler did wouldn't have killed Jews without the authority of Hitler. Some Germans could have been waiting for some kind of power that blame their actions on. Although,when under authority, many people do things they wouldn't normally do because they don't want to face punishment. If Nazis didn;t follow orders, the penalty would typically be death, but in my opinion, I would rather die that to witness and take part in the death of millions. I am, as is everyone, responsible for "just following orders"
In war one of the most important things is that you follow what your leader(s) need you to do, because that is why the soldier is there, that is thier purpose. In war time you need to follow the comands of your leader but you still are responsible for your own actions, the ruling from the neuremburg trails. Having such a harsh ruler i believe that the nazis' were afraid to do what they feel is right to a certian extent becuase they knew that if they dont follow directions they may be killed just as the jewish people were. it can be argued that hitlers forces were almost brain-washeed like the jewish poeple were becuase they did anything for the man, in a sense they were the selfish ones becusae they would rather kill a whole slew of people rather than get killed and not par-take in the killing of those six-million jewish poeple. I would personally agree with the nazi people that they were just following orders becuase when it comes down to it they really didnt have too much of a chioce to make, it was either do it or just get killed. I think even as mean as it sounds we would follow the orders rather that ty to be the couragueos one and speak out and risk being killed.
I believe that the Nazis who were charged were guilty even if they did not have any will to do what they were ordered to do. It is very important that a person in this situation knows what to do and what is right from wrong. The
nazi on trial could have denied the order even if it ment regection from the army. If you come across a situation like this and you are asked to do something that you know is wrong, it is extremely important to make the right descision.
Authority can cause many people to do actions that they would not normally do through many such ways such as in fear of disobedience, fear of punishment, or even fear in death. Authority can be used to limit a person’s actions and in a time of crisis, such as in the Holocaust, soldiers were frightened at the horrendous ways people were being tortured and murdered so they had followed even the most appalling commands in order to avert being a victim of these atrocious events. Hitler had dictated the Nazis through the authority of terror, meaning that if a Nazi soldier had disobeyed his commands, then that soldier would be subdued to an inevitable death. This had forced many Nazis to follow the commands that they were given without any hesitation. During World War 2 authority was given to those who had supported Hitler’s wrath and his most strict principals. The dictator has created an infallible way of authority by giving absolute authority to the one’s he had most trusted and distributing this throughout the ranks of the Nazis based on their achievements and their rank. Authority had become somewhat like a chain linked from the top to the bottom based on trustworthiness, influence, power, support, and leadership. Those who were higher up had demonstrated more authority than those who were lower down on the chain. Nazis had no choice when they were given orders by a higher ranked commander so they had to follow the instructions thoroughly otherwise they would be killed, or eliminated from the chain. Nazis were responsible for “just following orders” but the actions they did may not necessarily be their fault.
You are responsible even if you were "just following orders." Although the Nazis were brainwashed in a way, they had to follow orders if they wanted to live. Even though they were doing these things for their lives, most enjoyed taunting the Jews. They liked feeling powerful, so even though they were "following orders" they were doing it willingly. Also, none of the Nazis tried to help the Jews. If anything, they were tring to get the Jews introuble so they would have a reason to hit them. Ofcourse, not ALL Nazis agreed with Hitler. Some tried to help the Jews, they could have given them alittle food or gave them advice, these Nazis should still be punished but their punishment should be less. These Nazis obviously did not want to hurt the Jews, they were the ones who really followed orders. I definitly think that the higher ranked Nazis and the ones in the concontration camps should be punished much more than the ones who were fighting for their countries because the soldiers on the front were like any other country fighting.
Nazis weren't just men, there was a younger group of Nazis. Kids could join and become pilots, fighters, generals, ect. These Nazis' punishment should be less than the ones on the front and in the concentration camps, but more than the ones who helped Jews. Since most of the younger division were kids, they shouldn't be put in jail unless they are of age. Most of the kids who went into the Nazi side were forced either by Hitler or their family.
You are responsible even if you were "just following orders." Although the Nazis were brainwashed in a way, they had to follow orders if they wanted to live. Even though they were doing these things for their lives, most enjoyed taunting the Jews. They liked feeling powerful, so even though they were "following orders" they were doing it willingly. Also, none of the Nazis tried to help the Jews. If anything, they were tring to get the Jews introuble so they would have a reason to hit them. Ofcourse, not ALL Nazis agreed with Hitler. Some tried to help the Jews, they could have given them alittle food or gave them advice, these Nazis should still be punished but their punishment should be less. These Nazis obviously did not want to hurt the Jews, they were the ones who really followed orders. I definitly think that the higher ranked Nazis and the ones in the concontration camps should be punished much more than the ones who were fighting for their countries because the soldiers on the front were like any other country fighting.
Nazis weren't just men, there was a younger group of Nazis. Kids could join and become pilots, fighters, generals, ect. These Nazis' punishment should be less than the ones on the front and in the concentration camps, but more than the ones who helped Jews. Since most of the younger division were kids, they shouldn't be put in jail unless they are of age. Most of the kids who went into the Nazi side were forced either by Hitler or their family.
Yes, I understand that the Nazi's were just following orders. But just because they were following order doesn't mean it was the right thing to do. For example if let's say I, give you an order to go jump of a brige to your death. How is that order any different then ordering you to kill a family of jewish people. I understand that they were trying to say alive but look at all the people that had to suffer. It's not right, and anothere thing these people the jewish people aren't a threat to Germany at all. So why kill someone for just being who they are? I believe that you can make your own choice even in times Holacaust.
In war one of the most important things is that you follow what your leader(s) need you to do, because that is why the soldier is there, that is thier purpose. In war time you need to follow the comands of your leader but you still are responsible for your own actions, the ruling from the neuremburg trails. Having such a harsh ruler i believe that the nazis' were afraid to do what they feel is right to a certian extent becuase they knew that if they dont follow directions they may be killed just as the jewish people were. it can be argued that hitlers forces were almost brain-washeed like the jewish poeple were becuase they did anything for the man, in a sense they were the selfish ones becusae they would rather kill a whole slew of people rather than get killed and not par-take in the killing of those six-million jewish poeple. I would personally agree with the nazi people that they were just following orders becuase when it comes down to it they really didnt have too much of a chioce to make, it was either do it or just get killed. I think even as mean as it sounds we would follow the orders rather that ty to be the couragueos one and speak out and risk being killed.
I believe that the Nazis who were charged were guilty even if they did not have any will to do what they were ordered to do. It is very important that a person in this situation knows what to do and what is right from wrong. The
nazi on trial could have denied the order even if it ment regection from the army. If you come across a situation like this and you are asked to do something that you know is wrong, it is extremely important to make the right descision.
Hitler was mad with power, and so were most of his followers. They did mostly anything they wanted too, and many had no remorse. Everyone is responsible for their actions no matter what they do. The Nazi's were following orders but they should have understood that what they were doing was wrong. Some may not have wanted to do what they were told but if they hadn't they too would have been thrown in the concentration camps. It's said that so many innocent people were involved but it doesn't matter, what was done was done.
Yes, I do believe they were following orders. But there were some they didn't have to follow. After World War 1, Germany signed the Geneva Convention. One of the restrictions was that they couldn't shoot at unarmed citizans. Many of the signed document's rules were broken by Nazi Germany. I understand that there was nothing the Nazi soldiers could do, but Germany should have followed these rules. Unfortunatley these were the rules the Nazi's had to follow. Adolf Hitler had the most authority since he was the dictator. Many people praised him. Hoping that all of the there worries were over. Also they followed his every move.
Authority can cause many people to do actions that they would not normally do through many such ways such as in fear of disobedience, fear of punishment, or even fear in death. Authority can be used to limit a person’s actions and in a time of crisis, such as in the Holocaust, soldiers were frightened at the horrendous ways people were being tortured and murdered so they had followed even the most appalling commands in order to avert being a victim of these atrocious events. Hitler had dictated the Nazis through the authority of terror, meaning that if a Nazi soldier had disobeyed his commands, then that soldier would be subdued to an inevitable death. This had forced many Nazis to follow the commands that they were given without any hesitation. During World War 2 authority was given to those who had supported Hitler’s wrath and his most strict principals. The dictator has created an infallible way of authority by giving absolute authority to the one’s he had most trusted and distributing this throughout the ranks of the Nazis based on their achievements and their rank. Authority had become somewhat like a chain linked from the top to the bottom based on trustworthiness, influence, power, support, and leadership. Those who were higher up had demonstrated more authority than those who were lower down on the chain. Nazis had no choice when they were given orders by a higher ranked commander so they had to follow the instructions thoroughly otherwise they would be killed, or eliminated from the chain. Nazis were responsible for “just following orders” but the actions they did may not necessarily be their fault.
Authority can cause many people to do actions that they would not normally do through many such ways such as in fear of disobedience, fear of punishment, or even fear in death. Authority can be used to limit a person’s actions and in a time of crisis, such as in the Holocaust, soldiers were frightened at the horrendous ways people were being tortured and murdered so they had followed even the most appalling commands in order to avert being a victim of these atrocious events. Hitler had dictated the Nazis through the authority of terror, meaning that if a Nazi soldier had disobeyed his commands, then that soldier would be subdued to an inevitable death. This had forced many Nazis to follow the commands that they were given without any hesitation. During World War 2 authority was given to those who had supported Hitler’s wrath and his most strict principals. The dictator has created an infallible way of authority by giving absolute authority to the one’s he had most trusted and distributing this throughout the ranks of the Nazis based on their achievements and their rank. Authority had become somewhat like a chain linked from the top to the bottom based on trustworthiness, influence, power, support, and leadership. Those who were higher up had demonstrated more authority than those who were lower down on the chain. Nazis had no choice when they were given orders by a higher ranked commander so they had to follow the instructions thoroughly otherwise they would be killed, or eliminated from the chain. Nazis were responsible for “just following orders” but the actions they did may not necessarily be their fault.
After the war when Nazis went on trial, it seemed as if they blamed following their orders for things they shouldn't have done. Even thought they might've followed orders, doesn't mean that the things they followed were good. They don't have the right to blame other people or things for their actions. They are responsible for their wrong doings throughout the war and could've told someone they didn't want to do it at the time. Since they didn't try to put a stop to it, it made it seem like they didn't mind destroying people's lives and didn't mind hurting them. However, if they tried to stop the people trying to start the orders, they should be held less responsible for it. Also, the people involved in this situation should've thought about what was going to happen after the war was over and how they were going to be held charge for it. This shows how you should think before you act and that they definatley should've done that in this situation. They probably learned that people make wiser decisions on your own then having someone else telling you how to do it.
October 26, 2009 3:22 PM
Authority can cause many people to do actions that they would not normally do through many such ways such as in fear of disobedience, fear of punishment, or even fear in death. Authority can be used to limit a person’s actions and in a time of crisis, such as in the Holocaust, soldiers were frightened at the horrendous ways people were being tortured and murdered so they had followed even the most appalling commands in order to avert being a victim of these atrocious events. Hitler had dictated the Nazis through the authority of terror, meaning that if a Nazi soldier had disobeyed his commands, then that soldier would be subdued to an inevitable death. This had forced many Nazis to follow the commands that they were given without any hesitation. During World War 2 authority was given to those who had supported Hitler’s wrath and his most strict principals. The dictator has created an infallible way of authority by giving absolute authority to the one’s he had most trusted and distributing this throughout the ranks of the Nazis based on their achievements and their rank. Authority had become somewhat like a chain linked from the top to the bottom based on trustworthiness, influence, power, support, and leadership. Those who were higher up had demonstrated more authority than those who were lower down on the chain. Nazis had no choice when they were given orders by a higher ranked commander so they had to follow the instructions thoroughly otherwise they would be killed, or eliminated from the chain. Nazis were responsible for “just following orders” but the actions they did may not necessarily be their fault.
alevy said...
Authority can make people do things that they normally wouldn’t do. If someone who has power over you tells you to do something, naturally you will follow their commands in fear of the consequences if you do not. However, that doesn’t mean I agree with the Nazi’s excuse that they were ‘just following orders’. This is not a good excuse. For something very minor, this could possibly pass as an alright excuse, but for a crime, and especially on this degree, it is a terrible one. Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions, and can choose their own actions. It is true that in everyday life if someone tells you to do something you probably should in school or at a job. But, for a situation as awful as the Holocaust, people should understand that they should not follow these orders because it is the wrong choice to make.
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