To What Extent Was the “Final Solution” Planned? in Yad Vashem Studies, Volume 36:1

To What Extent Was the “Final Solution” Planned?

Florent Brayard presents an intricate analysis and interpretation of the development of the “Final Solution”. The springboard for the article was Eberhard Jäckel’s critical review of Brayard’s book on the subject in volume 34 of this journal. Yet, the article’s purpose is not rebuttal, but rather a presentation of a new reading regarding the development of the murder of the Jews. Brayard places the final decision on the murder in June 1942, as planned by Himmler with Hitler’s constant, close, and radicalizing guidance. The analysis and thesis are challenging and will raise discussion.