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The Birth of Roland Freisler: A Notorious Nazi Judge

Roland Freisler: Early Life and Background

Birth of Roland Freisler in Celle

On February 13, 1893, the notorious Nazi judge, Roland Freisler, was born in Celle, a city located in Lower Saxony, in the heart of the German Empire. Freisler's upbringing in this historic city would shape his future career and ideologies.

Profession and Rise to Power

Freisler initially pursued a career in law, becoming a significant figure in the judicial system of Nazi Germany. His skills and dedication led him to the position of president of the People's Court, where he gained infamy for his vehement convictions and harsh sentences against those accused of treason, particularly during the trials surrounding the July 20th plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

Legacy of Roland Freisler

Roland Freisler and the July 20th Plot

The July 20th plot of 1944 was a pivotal moment in German history, as conspirators attempted to end Hitler's regime. As the presiding judge, Freisler became notorious for his ruthless and theatrical courtroom style during the trials of the plotters, often showing no mercy and issuing death sentences swiftly.

The Downfall of Roland Freisler

Freisler's power would come to an abrupt end with the collapse of Nazi Germany. He died on February 3, 1945, during an Allied bombing raid in Berlins, highlighting the chaotic and violent downfall of the regime he had staunchly defended throughout the war.

Fun Fact

Freisler's Famous Courtroom Style

Known for his fiery speeches and theatrical demeanor, Roland Freisler often turned trials into political propaganda, making him one of the most notorious figures in the Nazi judiciary system.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Roland Freisler

For those interested in diving deeper into the life of Roland Freisler, consider reading "Hitler's Justice: The Courts of the Third Reich" by Ingo Müller or "Nazi Justice: Legal Errors and the Third Reich" by Hermann P. Ratz, both of which provide in-depth analyses of the judicial system during the Nazi era.