There is no doubt that the Holocaust will forever be remembered in history as one of the most heinous crimes against humanity. Even years after the arrival of Nazism, the effects of the war still haunt the streets of Germany and the memories of the few survivors still alive today. Hitler and his Nazi regime held power in Germany from 1939 until 1945, when they were defeated by Allied forces (Davenport 10). During this period, Hitler was responsible for the deaths of six million Jews and millions of other non-Jews. (Davenport 10) However, at the end of the war, the big question arose as to who was responsible for these horrible crimes. Several of Hitler's top leaders, as well as Hitler himself, committed suicide or went into hiding before they could be captured (Austin 2000). In Hitler's last will and testament, he reportedly stated, "I do not wish to fall into the hands of enemies who will need a spectacle put on by the Jews" (Davenport 18). However, Hitler left behind several of his senior officers and commanders, who were arrested and taken to Nuremberg for trial (Davenport 16). Along with Nazi soldiers and generals, between 100,000 and 250,000 Germans directly played a role in the murders and persecution of Jewish citizens in Nazi Germany (Davenport 13). Some believe it was necessary to hold all German citizens accountable for their involvement in these crimes against humanity; However, the Nuremberg Trials were the best solution for justice, as they showed that ignorance and duty were no longer viable excuses for crimes, and they set a precedent for future trials by demonstrating a strong intolerance for with regard to the genocide. Before the trials began, the Allied forces debated whether it was necessary to try these men, or whether it would be better...... middle of paper ...... courts (set the quote). The Nuremberg Trials are still the subject of much debate today, regarding their effectiveness and whether or not it puts the blame on the right people. However, the trials were very successful. Several of the men were hanged for their crimes, and others received lengthy prison sentences with conditioning therapy afterward. The Nuremberg Trials had a lasting effect on the world. After these trials, the United Nations began to adopt the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which established that crimes against humanity existed and could be tried anywhere in the world. (UMKC). The Nuremberg Trials were truly the best solution for justice, demonstrated that ignorance and duty were no longer viable excuses for committing crimes, and set a precedent for future trials due to a strong intolerance of regarding the genocide..