Amon Göth
Austrian SS commandant of Kraków-Płaszów concentration camp.
Amon Leopold Göth was an Austrian SS functionary and war criminal who served as the commandant of the Kraków-Płaszów concentration camp in German-occupied Poland during World War II. He was tried after the war by the Supreme National Tribunal of Poland and found guilty of personally ordering the imprisonment, torture, and extermination of individuals and groups, as well as homicide—the first such conviction at a war crimes trial. He was executed by hanging near the former site of the Płaszów camp.
- died
- 13 September 1946, near Kraków, Poland (executed by hanging)
- field
- SS functionary, concentration camp commandant
- nationality
- Austrian
Lore & Background
Göth was born in Vienna to a family in the book publishing industry.
Reader's Guide
Göth's significance lies in his role as commandant of the Kraków-Płaszów concentration camp, where he oversaw the construction, liquidation of ghettos, and mass murder of prisoners. His trial by the Supreme National Tribunal of Poland resulted in a conviction for homicide, the first such conviction at a war crimes trial, for personally killing, maiming, and torturing an unidentified number of people.
Did You Know?
- Göth was the first person convicted of homicide at a war crimes trial by the Supreme National Tribunal of Poland.
- He was executed by hanging near the former site of the Płaszów camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Amon Göth?
Amon Leopold Göth was an Austrian SS officer who led the Kraków-Płaszów concentration camp in German-occupied Poland during World War II. He is widely recognized as one of the most brutal figures associated with the Holocaust in that region.
What was Amon Göth's role?
He served as the commandant of the Kraków-Płaszów camp, giving him direct authority over prisoners and all camp operations. In that capacity, he personally ordered the imprisonment, torture, and killing of individuals and groups.
How does Amon Göth's story end?
After the war, Poland's Supreme National Tribunal convicted him of war crimes, including homicide, and sentenced him to death. He was executed by hanging on 13 September 1946 near the former Płaszów camp grounds.
Why is Amon Göth important?
His trial produced the first war-crimes conviction in which a defendant was specifically found guilty of personally ordering the extermination of people. He also became globally recognizable through his portrayal in the 1993 film Schindler's List.
Where was Amon Göth born and what was his background?
He was born on 11 December 1908 in Vienna, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and held Austrian nationality. He went on to serve as an SS functionary before being appointed to command the Kraków-Płaszów camp.
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