Nuremberg: Day 1...20.11.1945. The Days that Changed the World

Eighty years ago, the world watched as the Nuremberg Trial opened in a ruined German city — the first time leaders of a defeated regime were prosecuted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes against peace.
In this episode of our series Days That Changed the World, we take you inside Courtroom 600 on the historic opening day of the Nuremberg Trials and uncover how this moment reshaped international law, justice after dictatorship, and the way the world confronts atrocity.

We explore the atmosphere in the courtroom, the unprecedented media attention, the indictments against the Nazi leadership, and the reactions of the defendants as the evidence unfolded. From conspiracy charges to the final verdicts — including both acquittals and death sentences — this episode breaks down why Nuremberg remains a defining legal and moral turning point in modern history.

If you’re interested in World War II, international justice, the origins of human rights law, or the drama behind major historical events, this episode is for you.

• Why the Nuremberg Trial became a pivotal moment in world history

• How it established the foundations of modern international criminal law

• What the opening day felt like inside Courtroom 600

• Who the defendants were — and what they were charged with

• How the world’s media covered the trial

• The emotional reactions inside the courtroom

• The final verdicts and their long-term consequences

00:00 The Significance of Nuremberg
01:58 The Context of the Trials
04:43 The Opening Day of the Trials
07:16 The Defendants and Their Backgrounds
10:00 The Atmosphere in Nuremberg
13:07 The Proceedings and Indictments
15:36 The Reactions of the Defendants
18:54 The Verdicts and Their Implications
21:45 Reflections on Justice and Accountability