If Hitler had been captured alive at the end of World War II, it would have triggered a number of significant implications. Here are some possibilities of what might have happened:

1. **International Trial**: It is likely that Hitler would have been put on trial in an international court for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and possibly crimes against peace. Such a trial would have been an unprecedented historical event, similar to the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were tried after the war.

2. **Reconstruction of Germany**: Hitler's capture could have facilitated Germany's transition to a more stable post-war period. Without his leadership, post-war reconstruction and reconciliation might have unfolded differently. However, there would still be enormous challenges, especially considering the division of the country into occupation zones by the Allies.

3. **Political and Ideological Consequences**: Hitler's capture could have influenced post-war narratives about Nazism and its legacy. The exposure of Hitler's crimes and his regime could have had a lasting impact on political and social attitudes in Germany and around the world.

4. **Possible Rescue or Revenge Attempts**: Hitler's capture could also have triggered rescue attempts by Nazi sympathizers or even revenge attempts against those involved in his capture.

5. **Impact on the Cold War**: How the Allies dealt with Hitler and the captured Nazi regime could have affected relations between the Allied powers after the war and shaped the early Cold War in unpredictable ways.

These are just a few of the many implications that could have arisen if Hitler had been captured alive. His capture would certainly have been a historic event of great magnitude, with lasting ramifications for world politics and society.

Between summary execution and a staged trial

Between summary execution and a show trial, there are several other legal treatment options for an individual like Hitler. Here are some possibilities:

1. **Fair and Legal Trial**: Rather than a staged trial, a fair and legal trial, conducted in accordance with the principles of international law, would have been the most ethical and legitimate course of action. This would have involved a proper judicial process, with legal representation for Hitler and the presentation of evidence and testimony.

2. **War Crimes Trial**: Hitler could have been tried specifically for the war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes against peace for which he was responsible. This would have been similar to the Nuremberg Trials, in which Nazi leaders were tried after World War II.

3. **Life Imprisonment**: If convicted, Hitler could have been sentenced to life imprisonment instead of being executed. This would have ensured that he faced the consequences of his actions, while still upholding the principles of justice and humanity.

4. **Imprisonment and Rehabilitation**: In a more progressive scenario, Hitler could have been imprisoned for the purpose of rehabilitation and reconciliation. While this may seem unlikely given the severity of his crimes, some would argue that rehabilitation is a fundamental aspect of the criminal justice system in a civilized society.

5. **Exile or Asylum**: In theory, the option of exile or political asylum for Hitler could also have been considered, although this was highly unlikely given the extent of his crimes and the lack of countries willing to receive him.

These are just some alternatives between summary execution and a staged trial, each with different ethical, legal and political implications. The course of action chosen would have reflected the values and circumstances of the time, as well as the practical and diplomatic considerations involved.

The Trial of Adolf Hitler

A trial of Adolf Hitler would have been one of the most notable legal events in history, had it occurred. Here are some considerations about how it might have been conducted:

1. **Trial Location**: As with the Nuremberg Trials, a Hitler trial would likely have taken place in a major city, possibly Nuremberg, Berlin, or another significant city in Germany.

2. **International Tribunal**: Given the global scale of his crimes, it is likely that Hitler would have been tried by an international tribunal composed of judges and representatives from various Allied nations.

3. **Charges**: Hitler was allegedly charged with a number of crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and possibly crimes against peace. The charges were reportedly based on his actions during World War II, including the Holocaust, military aggression against other countries, and other atrocities.

4. **Legal Defense**: Hitler would have been provided with legal defense, as required by fair trial principles. However, finding lawyers willing to defend him would have been a challenge, given the widespread revulsion at his crimes.

5. **Evidence and Witnesses**: The trial would have been supported by extensive documentary evidence, survivor testimonies, testimonies of soldiers and military leaders, as well as physical evidence such as concentration camp records and official Nazi documents.

6. **Verdict and Sentence**: If found guilty, the verdict would likely have resulted in a life sentence or even the death penalty. The extraordinary nature of Hitler's crimes would have demanded a severe punishment.

7. **Legacy and Significance**: A trial of Hitler would have had a lasting impact on world consciousness, highlighting the importance of individual responsibility for acts committed during armed conflict and establishing legal precedents for the trials of political leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

However, it is important to recognize that Hitler's death at the end of World War II precluded any real possibility of a formal trial. Instead, the Nuremberg Trials dealt with other Nazi leaders and set important legal precedents for accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.