Julius Streicher
Julius Streicher, editor of Der Sturmer, was hanged for crimes against humanity following the Nuremberg trials in 1946.
Julius Streicher served the Nazi party in an official capacity only until 1939, but played a key role in the Nazi propaganda machine until the end of the war. As editor of Der Sturmer and author of several anti-Semitic children’s books, Streicher was more erratic than many in the party. He had been officially removed from his government position in 1939, after plotting against Goering. While Streicher was not an official member of the Nazi government, Der Sturmer was an integral and successful part of Nazi propaganda.
When Germany surrendered to the Allies in May 1945, Streicher intended to commit suicide. Instead, he married his secretary. Only days later, on May 23, Streicher was captured in Waidring, Austria by American forces led by Major Henry Pitt. He initially claimed to a painter named Joseph Sailer, and was painting a landscape when apprehended. In custody, Streicher claims to have been tortured by African-American soldiers, and sexually intimidated female translators.
Even the other Nazis captured by the Americans were offended by Streicher. He was uncouth and rude, sex-obsessed, and largely shunned by the other Nazis at the prison at Ashcan.
While most of those tried at Nuremberg bore clear responsibility for the creation or implementation of the war and the Holocaust, Streicher was tried on two charges; crimes against peace and crimes against humanity. He was acquitted of the first and convicted of the second. His work as a propagandist for the Nazis had supported and created the environment that facilitated the Holocaust. After his conviction, Streicher was hanged on October 16, 1946.