International Law and the POW

This chapter expands on the theories and philosophies that helped create the concept of international law and how that relates to POWs. Of particular emphasis was the development of the four international humanitarian laws called the Geneva Conventions, of which, the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War was one. First agreed upon in 1929, this treaty shaped World War II POW life in unimaginable ways. Beginning with a brief timeline of the development of international law, this chapter will then turn to the law’s impact on the treatment of POWs over time, who monitor documents like the Convention and how America chose to respond to the laws.