November 20, 1945: Nuremberg Trials Begin On this day in 1945, twenty-four high-ranking Nazis went on trial in Nuremberg, Germany, for the horrific crimes committed during World War II. The Nuremberg Trials were conducted by an international tribune made up of representatives from the United States, the Soviet Union, France and Great Britain. The proceedings lasted ten months and consisted of 216 court sessions. All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.  On October 1, 1946, twelve Nazi war criminals were sentenced to death, seven were sentenced to prison terms ranging from ten years to life, and three were acquitted. Explore American Experience’s “Nazis on Trial in Nuremberg,” which features the trial of the most important defendant, Hitler’s acknowledged successor, Hermann Göring. Photo: National Archives
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November 20, 1945: Nuremberg Trials Begin

On this day in 1945, twenty-four high-ranking Nazis went on trial in Nuremberg, Germany, for the horrific crimes committed during World War II. The Nuremberg Trials were conducted by an international tribune made up of representatives from the United States, the Soviet Union, France and Great Britain. The proceedings lasted ten months and consisted of 216 court sessions. All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

On October 1, 1946, twelve Nazi war criminals were sentenced to death, seven were sentenced to prison terms ranging from ten years to life, and three were acquitted.

Explore American Experience’s “Nazis on Trial in Nuremberg,” which features the trial of the most important defendant, Hitler’s acknowledged successor, Hermann Göring.

Photo: National Archives

Source: to.pbs.org

September 15, 1981  Sandra Day O’Connor Appointed to Supreme Court On this day in 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor became the first female justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and appointed by Ronald Reagan. O’Connor served as an Associate Justice for 25 years. Check out the PBS NewsHour’s 2007 interview with Sandra Day O’Connor, where she discusses her journey to the bench. Photo: Library of Congress
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September 15, 1981 

Sandra Day O’Connor Appointed to Supreme Court

On this day in 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor became the first female justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and appointed by Ronald Reagan.

O’Connor served as an Associate Justice for 25 years. Check out the PBS NewsHour’s 2007 interview with Sandra Day O’Connor, where she discusses her journey to the bench.

Photo: Library of Congress

Source: to.pbs.org

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