Assassination Attempts Against Hitler: The Untold Stories

During World War II, Germany was led by Adolf Hitler, a highly controversial figure whose actions led to the deaths of millions. The reign of Hitler was not without attempts to end his life. Various individuals and organizations tried to assassinate him, either out of opposition to his regime or for personal reasons. Here, we explore four significant assassination attempts against Hitler and one of the most famous conspiracies during the war years.

The Frequency and Nature of Assassination Attempts

According to historical accounts, there were numerous attempts to assassinate Adolf Hitler, ranging from 42 to 45 different attempts, until the end of the war on April 30, 1945. However, none of these attempts were successful, with Hitler often escaping unharmed. Many of these attempts were detected and thwarted by the Nazi regime.

1932: Poisoning Attempt at Hotel Kaiserhof

In 1932, a failed attempt to poison Hitler took place at the Hotel Kaiserhof in Berlin. The perpetrator managed to lace Hitler's meal with a toxin, but Hitler’s strict vegetarian diet made it ineffective. This incident is notable for being one of the early attempts to end Hitler’s life, demonstrating opposition to his rise to power and subsequent rule.

1939: Georg Elser’s Bombing Plot

Georg Elser, a German carpenter and communist, dedicated much time and effort to plan a bombing against Hitler in 1939. Elser built several bombs with 144-hour timers and carefully lured himself into the Bürgerbr?ukeller, a beer hall where Hitler was set to give a speech. Unfortunately, he managed to set the bombs to go off about 9 minutes before Hitler was scheduled to finish his speech, avoiding the intended explosion. This plot is often hailed as one of the most significant and meticulous attempts to assassinate Hitler during the war.

1943: General Hubert Lanz’s Plan

In 1943, a group of high-ranking German officers, including Generals Hubert Lanz, Hans Speidel, and Hyacinth Graf Strachwitz, devised a plan to arrest and kill Hitler during a visit to Ukraine. However, Hitler canceled the visit, thus thwarting their plan and further efforts in this direction.

1943: Henning von Tresckow’s Envelope Bomb

On March 13, 1943, Henning von Tresckow, a prominent figure in the military, approached a member of Hitler’s staff with parcels containing plastic explosives disguised as bottles of Cointreau brandy. These parcels were to be taken to a friend in Berlin. While the bombs did not go off, this plot has found its way into modern media, such as the film "Valkyrie," which visually illustrates the tension and complexity of these attempts.

1944: The July Plot: Claus von Stauffenberg’s Bombing

The most famous attempt on Hitler’s life is undoubtedly the July 20, 1944, bombing plot. Claus von Stauffenberg, a German army officer, placed a bomb in a briefcase during a meeting at Hitler's headquarters known as the "Wolf’s Lair." Despite the intention to assassinate Hitler, the bomb went off at the wrong time, moving behind a thick table leg, and thus missing its target. Hitler was undoubtedly lucky to survive the blast, which left him with minor injuries. This plot is significant in the context of the broader Resistance Movement within Nazi Germany.

Conclusion

The numerous assassination attempts against Adolf Hitler during World War II remain a fascinating chapter in historical accounts. Despite multiple failed plots and meticulous plans, Hitler managed to escape unscathed. These efforts, however, were a testament to the opposition and the desire to end the regime, highlighting the struggles and decisions made by both individuals and organizations during this tumultuous era.