Could crimes like those done by Nazi Germany happen in US? Most say yes in poll

Most Americans believe that some of the worst atrocities of the 20th century could be repeated — and on U.S. soil, according to new polling.

In a YouGov survey, 52% of respondents said it is possible that crimes like those enacted by Germany’s Nazi regime in the 1930s and 40s could happen in America in their lifetime. A smaller share, 35%, said this is not possible, and 14% said they were not sure.

Meanwhile, 47% said crimes like those perpetrated by the Nazis — which included the systematic murder of millions of Jews — could happen in Germany. And 56% said they could happen in another country in Western Europe.

The poll — which sampled 1,152 U.S. adults April 10-14 — was conducted on the subject of world wars. It found conflicting opinions on the methods used in World War II and a widespread belief that World War III could be imminent.

World War II

The vast majority of respondents, 88%, said it is very or fairly important for schools to teach the history of World War II and the events that preceded it. Just 6% said teaching this is not very or not important at all.

Similarly, 81% said the events of World War II are very or fairly relevant to the world today, while 10% said they are not very or not at all relevant, according to the poll, which has a margin of error of 3.8 percentage points.

Further, a majority, 61%, said they are more proud than ashamed of the U.S. role in the war. However, not all America’s military actions were viewed favorably.

A majority, 56%, said they believe the “large scale bombing campaigns against cities in Germany” were morally justified, while 15% said they were not justified.

In contrast, less than half, 38%, said the use of two atomic bombs on Japan were morally justified. A similar share, 35%, said they were not justified.

World War III?

Respondents were also asked about the possibility of World War III breaking out in the near future — and what that would entail.

Forty-five percent said they believe it is very or fairly likely that a third world war will start in the next five to 10 years. Meanwhile, 36% said this prospect is very or fairly unlikely.

If World War III did break out, 33% said it would lead to a higher death toll than World War II, but that most would survive. Twenty-five percent said it would result in the deaths of most of the world population, and 18% said it would cause about as many or less deaths as World War II.

The vast majority of respondents, 71%, also said that nuclear weapons would likely be used in another world war, while just 17% said this would be unlikely.

Further, 85% said the U.S. would likely take part militarily in World War III, and 71% said they have a fair or great deal of confidence the U.S. military “could effectively defend the country in the event of a third world war.”