Kriegsgreuel: Die Entgrenzung der Gewalt in kriegerischen Konflikten vom Mittelalter bis ins 20. Jahrhundert

Almost all societies have tried to limit organized violence in wars. Since there were rules for waging war, these have been broken again and again. There were countless acts of violence against mostly defenseless people who were involved in the fighting at the front or in the hinterland. This volume deals with the rules prescribed by the custom of war or international law for dealing with enemy soldiers and civilians and with their violation. Historians from six countries investigate such violations of norms and rights - across epochs from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Selected case studies make it clear by whom, in what form, under what circumstances and for what reason these limits were exceeded. Which acts stand out from the violence of war, which is perceived as "normal", is shown as well as the different perception, depending on the time and circumstances, of what should be regarded as "war atrocities".