Joachim von Ribbentrop
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| “ | When apprehensions abroad threatened the success of the Nazi regime for conquest, it was the duplicitous Ribbentrop, the salesman of deception, who was detailed to pour wine on the troubled waters of suspicion by preaching the gospel of limited and peaceful intentions. | „ |
| ~ Prosecutors at the Nuremberg trials describe Ribbentrop. |
Joachim von Ribbentrop (April 30th, 1893 - October 16th, 1946) was Foreign Minister of the German Reich from 1938 until 1945. Before assuming this post, he served as the German Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Work as Foreign Minister edit
Following the rise of Adolf Hitler in Germany, Ribbentrop became the Nazis' foreign minister to other countries in Europe, most notably toward the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. His son Rudolf von Ribbentrop was a Schutzstaffel Captain (Hauptsturmführer) while his SS rank was Obergruppenführer (Lieutenant General). Ribbentrop was known for being openly against much of Hitler's military plans (except of invading Poland), the most notable was the declaration of war against the Soviet Union.
Villainy edit
Despite his disagreements with Hitler and other SS members, Ribbentrop played a major role in planning The Holocaust. Since he was the Foreign Minister for the Nazis, he worked with many loyal nations that supported the Nazi government in deporting Jews and other "inferior people" to the death camps in the majority of Europe.
Trail and execution edit
After being captured by the Allies after the fall of Nazi Germany, he was put on trial with many Nazi leaders at Nuremberg. Ribbentrop was found guilty and sentenced to death.
Joachim von Ribbentrop was the first of the Nazis at Nuremberg to be executed on October 16th, 1946. He repeneted for his sins and was communed by Henry Gerecke. His last words were "God protect Germany. God have mercy on my soul. My final wish is that Germany should recover her unity and that, for the sake of peace, there should be understanding between East and West. I wish peace to the world." Nuremberg Prison Commandant Burton C. Andrus later recalled that, immediately before the hood was placed over his head, Ribbentrop turned to the prison's Lutheran chaplain and whispered, "I'll see you again."