The Battle of the Bulge influenced discussions around war crimes by highlighting atrocities committed by both sides.

The brutal nature of the fighting, particularly in the Ardennes region, brought attention to various war crimes and atrocities, including the execution of prisoners and attacks on civilians. Both American and German forces faced accusations of committing violations during the battle. These revelations sparked broader discussions about the need for accountability and the enforcement of the laws of war. The experiences during this battle, along with other events of World War II, contributed to the postwar establishment of international legal frameworks, such as the Geneva Conventions, aimed at preventing future war crimes and protecting human rights during armed conflict.