3. The July 20th Plot
The myth that Adolf Hitler was all popular in the Germanic lands is exactly that, a myth. Following the Nazi party's ascension to power in Germany in 1933, German Resistance formed with aims to other-throw Adolf Hitler, the party, and to show to the world that not all Germans were like the Nazis. After the early years of the war had passed, and the tide was seemingly turning in the allies favour due to the German retreat on the Eastern front and the financial might of the USA, the Resistance felt that time was running out to assassinate Hitler, other-throw the party and set up a pro-ally government. The Resistance hoped that if these things could be achieved, then they would be treated more leniently when it came to reparations. Also surrender in this manner would avoid Soviet invasion, a prospect that tormented many a German civilian. In 1943 and early 1944, there were at least four unsuccessful attempts carried out by the group to murder their leader, attempts that included the use of grenades and a revolver. And with every failed attempt, the task grew increasingly difficult as the Gestapo became suspicious about attempts on Hitler's life. The latter was consequently heavily guarded and seldom appeared publicly. As time began to grow ever shorter, high ranking members of the German Resistance such as Claus Von Stauffenberg realised that it was now or never. So on July 20th, Stauffenberg flew to attend a German military conference which Hitler would be attending, with a bomb in his briefcase. After the latter had placed his briefcase under the table, he received a planned phone call, enabling him to leave the conference room. However in his absence, though the bomb did detonate, Hitler survived with a mere perforated eardrum and singed trousers. Three officers and a stenographer were however seriously injured, and all later died due to injuries suffered from the blast. This final failed attempt signalled the Resistance's last hope of removing Hitler and thus preventing Germany from invasion. Stauffenberg and some of his accomplices were executed as a result of the attempted murder. The events of July 20th were made into the movie Valkyrie...