Der Eichmann-Prozess in der deutschen Presse

Discusses coverage of the Eichmann trial in 1961 by the German press. There was a feeling of uncertainty and helplessness amongst German journalists regarding their capacity to deal with the trial without damaging the reputation of Germany throughout the world, as well as a reluctance to cope with German guilt. As the trial progressed, however, there was more of a willingness to confront the dark German past. Unlike the FRG, the DDR did not deal with the topic at that time but only accused West Germany of serving as a refuge for former Nazis. Argues that the capture of Eichmann and the trial proceedings were important building blocks for Germany's coming to terms with the past. Furthermore, during the 1950s-60s there was an evolution from refusal of remembrance, through an integrated commemoration policy, to coping with the Nazi crimes and the resulting responsibiltiy and liability. The Eichmann trial was one of the stimuli which led to this trend.