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

[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).