The case against Albert Speer: the mendacity, evasion and deception in his explanation of his Nazi past to his family and history

This PhD thesis examines the historical narrative presented by Albert Speer, Hitler's armaments minister, regarding his involvement with the Nazi regime. Speer claimed to be apolitical, unaware of the genocide, and that he had attempted to subvert Hitler's orders. This research analyzes primary documents to assess the veracity of these claims, particularly in light of Speer's correspondence with his daughter, Hilde. The thesis argues that Speer actively supported Nazi politics and ideology and was complicit in Nazi atrocities. It further suggests that his accounts of thwarting Hitler's scorched earth policy and his supposed involvement in an assassination plot were strategic elements of his defense during the Nuremberg trials.