The July 20 Plot: Operation Valkyrie and the Attempt to Assassinate Hitler

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The July 20 Plot, or Operation Valkyrie, was a significant attempt by German Army officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler and overthrow the Nazi government during World War II. The plan involved Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg and others who sought to use the Reserve Army to control Berlin and negotiate peace with the Allies. Despite their efforts, the plot failed due to a misplaced bomb, leading to severe repercussions for the conspirators.

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The July 20 Plot Against Hitler

The July 20 Plot, also known as the Operation Valkyrie, was a critical attempt to change the course of World War II by assassinating Adolf Hitler. Orchestrated by a group of German Army officers including Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, General Friedrich Olbricht, and Major General Henning von Tresckow, the plan was to eliminate Hitler and then mobilize the Reserve Army to take control of Berlin, arrest the Nazi leadership, and initiate peace talks with the Allies. The assassination attempt failed when a bomb placed in Hitler's conference room did not kill him, largely due to the unexpected placement of the bomb behind a heavy table support, which shielded Hitler from the blast.

Vintage 1940s wood-paneled office with ornate wooden desk, worn leather chair, brass lamp, rotary phone, and bookcase filled with leather-bound books.

The Origins and Adaptation of Operation Valkyrie

Operation Valkyrie was originally conceived as an emergency response plan by the German military to ensure government stability in the event of internal disturbances, such as those that might be caused by Allied bombings or other disruptions. The conspirators, recognizing the potential of this existing plan, adapted it to serve as the framework for their coup. They intended to use the Reserve Army to assume control of key government facilities and communication centers immediately following Hitler's assassination.

The German Resistance Movement

The German Resistance was a diverse and fragmented network of groups opposed to Nazi rule, encompassing a range of political beliefs and social backgrounds. The resistance included conservative military officers, intellectuals, and civil servants, as well as other groups like the Kreisau Circle. Despite their shared opposition to Hitler, the resistance groups often operated in isolation and lacked a unified strategy, which hindered their effectiveness. The July 20 Plot was the most prominent of over 20 known attempts on Hitler's life orchestrated by these various factions.

The Attempted Assassination on July 20, 1944

The assassination attempt took place at the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's military headquarters in East Prussia. Colonel Stauffenberg, who had been promoted to a position that allowed him to attend strategy meetings with Hitler, carried a bomb in his briefcase to one such meeting. Due to a last-minute venue change to a conference room with heavy reinforcement and the accidental repositioning of the briefcase, the explosion did not kill Hitler. Four people were killed in the blast, but Hitler survived with only minor injuries.

The Coup's Collapse and Immediate Consequences

In the confusion following the explosion, there was a critical delay in implementing the second phase of the plot as Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators were unsure of Hitler's fate. This hesitation allowed time for loyal Nazi officials, such as Heinrich Himmler, to take action and counter the coup. The Reserve Army was briefly mobilized, but with Hitler alive and the coup's leaders unable to seize decisive control, the plan quickly unraveled. The Nazi regime's response was swift and brutal, leading to the arrest and execution of many involved in the plot.

The Fate of the Conspirators

In the wake of the failed assassination, General Friedrich Fromm, seeking to cover up his own prior knowledge of the plot, ordered the immediate execution of Stauffenberg, Olbricht, and others directly involved. Many conspirators were executed or committed suicide in the aftermath, while others were subjected to show trials and later executed. General Fromm was later tried and executed for his involvement. The total number of those executed in the purges that followed is estimated to be around 5,000, demonstrating the regime's determination to eliminate all opposition.

Legacy and Impact of the July 20 Plot

The July 20 Plot is a significant event in the history of World War II, highlighting the internal opposition to Hitler's regime within Germany. Although the plot failed and inadvertently led to further repression and loss of life, it remains a symbol of resistance and the moral courage of those who opposed the Nazi regime from within. The plot's failure did not prevent the eventual downfall of Hitler and the Third Reich, which occurred less than a year later. The actions of the conspirators continue to be remembered and studied as an example of ethical resistance in the face of tyranny.