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The Ratlines: How the Nazis Escaped Europe with Dr. Finn Ballard

The Ratlines: How the Nazis Escaped Europe with Dr. Finn Ballard


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Join a historian as we focus on the means by which German (and other) perpetrators of World War Two-era crimes against humanity escaped Europe as of 1945.

By the summer of 1945, Hitler and two of his most powerful men, Himmler and Goebbels, had died by their own hands. Another collection of degenerates would face justice at the Nuremberg Trials and subsequent legal proceedings. Still, others would simply melt back into German society - some even retaining the bureaucratic jobs they had held during the Third Reich. And what about the rest?

In this seminar, we will examine the so-called 'ratlines' - the routes taken by Nazi perpetrators out of Europe, to new lives in South America, Egypt, and beyond. We will focus on Adolf Eichmann, a bureaucrat with blood on his hands: his flight to Argentina, capture by the Mossad, trial, and execution in Israel. We will discuss the relationship of the Red Cross and the Vatican to the ratline scheme, and the tales of Klaus Barbie, Josef Mengele, and more. We will learn of the astonishing courage and tenacity of Simon Wiesenthal and his fellow Nazi-hunters Serge and Beate Klarsfeld. And we will look, too, at the Nazis who found their new homes in the USA.

Led by an expert on twentieth-century German history, Dr. Finn Ballard, this interactive seminar will illuminate the astonishing tale of the Nazis who got away with it: and those who didn't. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a new understanding of one of the lesser-told stories of the Third Reich.

Finn grew up in Northern Ireland before moving to England to study and later teach in the department of Film and Literature at the University of Warwick. He completed his doctoral study on German folklore and popular cinema in 2012, and has published extensively in the fields of Film Studies and Gender Studies. Since 2008, he has been living and guiding in Berlin. He now works as a historical advisor for television and film productions set in Berlin, particularly during the Weimar era or Third Reich. He is a journalist for the 'Siegessauele', Europe's foremost Queer magazine, and organises events at Berlin's English-language bookstore 'Another Country'.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 28 reviews
86%
(24)
11%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
4%
(1)
D
D.B. (Palmer, US)
Well Researched & Informative

Lots of detailed research. Great session. I always learn a lot from these seminars!

C
C. (Colorado Springs, US)
So much information

So enjoyed another presentation with Finn today. His depth of knowledge is extraordinary and we always come away with great stories and information.

J
J.K. (Washington, US)
Learning More about how Individual Nazis Escaped Punishment

You can't listen to Dr. Ballard's presentation without learning fascinating details about the Nazi exodus from Germany after the war that you've never known before. And Dr. Ballard is a clear and organized presenter, easy to listen to and follow

T
T.G. (Chicago, US)
Excellent and Interesting Presentation

Guest did not leave comment

L
L.A. (Denver, US)
Superb lecture on Nazi criminals who escaped prosecution for war crimes.

Dr. Fin Ballard must be one of the most knowledgeable historians of World War II history lecturing today. I knew absolutely nothing of the Ratlines that allowed Nazi war criminals to escape justice and I found his lecture riveting. His presentation style is personable and open minded. We asked a lot of questions, all of which he answered with great expertise. Highly recommend this lecture and Dr. Ballard.

Customer Reviews

Based on 28 reviews
86%
(24)
11%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
4%
(1)
D
D.B. (Palmer, US)
Well Researched & Informative

Lots of detailed research. Great session. I always learn a lot from these seminars!

C
C. (Colorado Springs, US)
So much information

So enjoyed another presentation with Finn today. His depth of knowledge is extraordinary and we always come away with great stories and information.

J
J.K. (Washington, US)
Learning More about how Individual Nazis Escaped Punishment

You can't listen to Dr. Ballard's presentation without learning fascinating details about the Nazi exodus from Germany after the war that you've never known before. And Dr. Ballard is a clear and organized presenter, easy to listen to and follow

T
T.G. (Chicago, US)
Excellent and Interesting Presentation

Guest did not leave comment

L
L.A. (Denver, US)
Superb lecture on Nazi criminals who escaped prosecution for war crimes.

Dr. Fin Ballard must be one of the most knowledgeable historians of World War II history lecturing today. I knew absolutely nothing of the Ratlines that allowed Nazi war criminals to escape justice and I found his lecture riveting. His presentation style is personable and open minded. We asked a lot of questions, all of which he answered with great expertise. Highly recommend this lecture and Dr. Ballard.