some research-y type questions

[mickeym]

So, I'm doing this spn_j2_bigbang thing. *g* And because I'm an idiot an overachiever obviously touched in the head, I've decided to do a WWII a/u. So I have some questions, for whomever may know the answers, or have suggestions as to where I could find the information.

1) Nazi war criminal trials. When did they begin, how many years did they continue, was information about trials held (for example) in the US broadcast via television to other countries, such as Germany.

2) Is/was blacksmithing still a useful/viable profession in rural European villages/towns, in the 50's and early 60's?

3) Were major US-related events (like the arrest/trial of the Rosenbergs) aired in Europe, particularly post-war Germany?

4) I know (roughly) what post-war America was like, in terms of income, education, etc. But what was post-war Europe (again, Germany in particular) like? What was the situation with things such as television(s), broadcasting, information availability?

I'm sure I'll have other questions *g* But those are good for a start, and ANY information about any of those will be very, very happily and gratefully accepted.

Comments

[iconis.livejournal.com]

I've decided to do a WWII a/u


...AIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I am absolutely of NO help (at least right now) on the information front, but THIS MAKES ME INSANELY HAPPY. I can't wait.

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

I sent you email about it *G*

*smooch*

[stellamira]

I probably should remember at least some of that from school, *cough*. Also, I'm too young to know anything other than what I've been told. I do know however, that television was very rare after the war, and according to a wikipedia article, in 1952, the "official" start of television in Germany, there were all of 300 tvs in West Germany (100,000 in 1955, and a million in 1957).

Anyway, I found an online museum that seems to be pretty extensive about what post-war Germany was like, both both politically and culturally, and it's got reports of personal experiences, too. Unfortunately, it's all in German, but if you want to know something specific, I could translate a few things. Topics are:
The end as a beginning
Allied occupation
Political restart
Reconstruction and economy
Burden of the past
Hunger for culture
Formation of two German states

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'll let you know if I need translation assistance :) You rock :)

[glendaglamazon.livejournal.com]

1. The Nuremberg Trials (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_Trials) The trials of major Nazi leaders began November 20, 1945, and ran to October 1, 1946. Another, more detailed site (http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/nuremberg/nuremberg.htm).

2. Yes, but they likely specialized in decorative work and repair of historic swords and daggers, as well as the making of knives. The war probably curtailed a lot of that activity. From a quick look on the Web, Czechoslovakia is particularly noted for its blacksmithing (it's right next to Germany, and was one of the first major countries the Nazis invaded in WWII).

3. Do you mean Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_and_Ethel_Rosenberg)? The reaction to that trial at the time depends largely on how a particular country viewed Communism, Fascism, and capital punishment. Coverage of the trial was worldwide. The executions were seen as particularly harsh, especially in Ethel's case. The reaction in the German press would have depended largely on whether you were looking at Allied-controlled Western Germany or Soviet-controlled Eastern Germany.

4. This is a good site (http://www.mdr.de/damals-nach-dem-krieg/international/4666225.html), especially this:

There was a shortage of everything after the war. What little food you could find wasn´t enough to live on nor was it enough to starve from. People try to get bread, butter or coffee on the black market. Money is largely worthless in the post-war shadow economy. The real currency is cigarettes. For those you could get almost anything. American soldiers join in the illegal trade with enthusiasm. Mickey Dorsey is one of them. He enjoys his life in Germany. He has a car, a horse, a manservant and a German girlfriend. He likes the Germans and they like him. He makes so much money from the black market that when he is back home in America he is able to fulfil one of his dreams - he buys himself an aeroplane.

I found a lot of journal articles that require payment to view them, but a search of "Life in Post-War Germany" should turn up some stuff.

Good luck! I'm very intrigued. :)

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! And yeah, you were right--I meant Rosenbergs. I edited my post :)

Since the war crime trials seem to have ended pre-1950s, that information probably isn't going to factor too heavily into the story, because it makes Sam too young to have had anything to do with those. (Sam in my story was born in 1927, so even if he were done with law school by 1950, which I doubt, that won't work.) I wonder, though, if he would be representing anyone filing civil lawsuits against German (Nazi) citizens. *ponders* I wonder how that works.

Thank you again! You're made of awesome :)

[glendaglamazon.livejournal.com]

You know, if you need Sam to be some manner of advisor, and not particularly prosecuting war criminals, but just a reason for a young American lawyer to be in Europe then, look into The Marshall Plan (http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/marshallplan/). Though it started in 1947-48, it continued throughout the '50s, and many, many American scholars, business leaders, etc., were sent to Europe to help rebuild the economy, infrastructure, and life in post-war Europe. I am of the view that it is one of the greatest accomplishments of the American government (who didn't work alone, obviously. Many European governments and people themselves were involved, also).

You know me, hon, I'm a research fiend, plus a 20th Century history major, so feel free to e-mail me about any and everything! :)

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

Though it started in 1947-48, it continued throughout the '50s, and many, many American scholars, business leaders, etc., were sent to Europe to help rebuild the economy, infrastructure, and life in post-war Europe.

OHMYGODILOVEYOU. Seriously. That's the hook I needed/was looking for--because I was trying to figure out how Sam finds Dean (beyond going periodically to Europe to actively search for him) or what triggers Dean remembering...and that up there? That is AWESOME, because yes. Sam would be all about helping out, all the while being able to look for his brother.

*dances with glee*

[glendaglamazon.livejournal.com]

YAY! I meant to say something about the Marshall Plan in my first post, but it was pre-coffee, and I was already making myself late for work. Now that I am at work (with no actual work in front of me), I was able to bring it up.

There are lots of other sites that talk about the Marshall Plan, that one is just the official US government story of it. On quick glance, though, it's a pretty fair assessment of it, and not just "look how great the US was" (though, as I said, I think it was a pretty great plan that the US should model many of its other "nation-building" programs on).

[cormallen.livejournal.com]

Here is a link you may or may not find useful - The International Military Tribunal for Germany at the Avalon Project (http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/imt/imt.htm). The Avalon Project is done by Yale University, and is, essentially, a collection of primary sources, documents pertaining to important events in politics, diplomacy, law, et cetera. This particular link is to the section on Nuremberg - and there are links to other resources at the bottom. This might be a "too much" sort of resource, but it's something I used extensively as an undergrad (I like to joke my degree is in totalitarianism, because the vast majority of my history classes were either pertaining to Nazi Germany or the USSR). Obviously, you aren't writing a history paper, which is why this might be way more than you are signing up for. Yeah, the more I think about it, this is a "way too much info" kind of link, however, I am going to leave this comment anyway, just in case. And, um, you know, actually try to answer your questions in another one. Which might be more helpful. Um. See, this is why they don't let me talk to people :)

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

Um. See, this is why they don't let me talk to people :)

Nonsense :) Anyway, you're not talking to 'people', you're talking to me. And I'm pretty sure, based on my squee over you and your sleuthing for counties based on license plates, that we've established my geek cred, yeah? *g*

Do you know anything about how it would work if displaced German citizens (i.e., Jews, etc, who immigrated to the US during/after the war) wanted to sue (civil lawsuits) persons still in Germany?

[cormallen.livejournal.com]

You've been given some very good links/info above already, so I am actually not sure if I need to add more. However, here is a basic starting point article on Germany post 1945 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Germany_since_1945). I do have to add, on the Nuremberg Trials - the entirety of the trials did not end until 1949 (The Doctors' Trial, The Judges' Trial, etc). The major criminals were tried between 1945-46.

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

Okay, cool. Like I said to Glenda above, the war crime trials aren't going to figure heavily as such, but I needed a baseline as to when they were, to determine Sam's (possible) involvement in them. But since he'd likely not even be out of lawschool (or just barely) by 1950 (figuring he was born in 1927), that's not going to work. But thank you! :)

[killabeez.livejournal.com]

Nazi war criminal trials. When did they begin, how many years did they continue, was information about trials held (for example) in the US broadcast via television to other countries, such as Germany.

Heh. I see you've got a lot of good info already, but just in case:

WWII links on my Historical Resources for Fanfic Writers page (http://seacouver.slashcity.net/history/index2.html#ww2)

I know I have a lot of stuff on specifically what you're asking because I researched that far too extensively when I was writing an X-Files crossover that involved the Nazi scientists, blah blah blah. Hopefully, most of the links are still active.

Whee!

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

Awesomeness, thank you :) And if you want to know more about the story synopsis, email me at ohmickeym at gmail dot com, and I'll send it to you :)

*snugs*

[aynslee.livejournal.com]

Oh yay! I studied international law in school, but unfortunately we focused mainly on modern treaties, etc. It looks like you've gotten some good information above. I am jealous that you've already gotten started. :D :D :D

[mickeym.livejournal.com]

Oh, not really *started*, as such. Just plotting it out. I'm all !!!!! over getting that hook. *g* I have to finish your story first. MUST.

[fleurrochard]

You've already got lots of information and I don't think I can add more right now (to these specific questions), but if you need someone from Germany to take a look at something (or something like that), I'd be glad to help. :)

[thehighwaywoman.livejournal.com]

I'm afraid I am zero help on the research front, but I'm squeaking and jigging with anticipation. SO AWESOME AN IDEA.