>>508743112Mass Rape After WWII – Summary
After World War II, widespread rape occurred, especially during the Soviet invasion and occupation of Germany.
1. Soviet Red Army
Estimated 1–2 million German women were raped, especially in Berlin, East Prussia, Silesia, and Hungary.
Victims included children, elderly, and even nuns, often raped multiple times or in front of family.
Soviet leadership ignored or justified it as revenge for Nazi crimes.
2. Western Allies
U.S. soldiers committed rape, though on a smaller scale (~11,000 reported cases).
African-American troops were often unfairly targeted and punished.
French colonial troops (especially Moroccan Goumiers) raped thousands in Italy, known as the “Marocchinate.”
3. Occupation Period
Rapes continued postwar, especially in the Soviet zone, often alongside looting.
Victims were silenced by shame or fear.
Suppression
Governments downplayed the crimes to protect Allied reputations.
In the East, Communist regimes denied Soviet wrongdoing.
Despite its scale, this chapter remains largely hidden from public discussion due to politics and stigma.
