Rudolf von Gersdorff's Assassination Attempt on Hitler
March 21st, 1943
March 21st, 1943

How Long Ago?
81 years, 11 months, 22 days ago
Location
Berlin, Germany
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War II
People
- Adolf Hitler
- Rudolf von Gersdorff
Links & References
Tags
Rudolf von Gersdorff's Assassination Attempt on Hitler
Rudolf von Gersdorff, a Wehrmacht officer, devised a plan to assassinate Adolf Hitler with a concealed suicide bomb during a visit to Berlin's Museum of Technology. On the day of the planned assassination, von Gersdorff disguised the bomb under his uniform, attempting to detonate it as Hitler arrived. However, intense feelings of loyalty and foreboding led him to defuse the bomb just in time, avoiding detection and possible execution.
Rudolf von Gersdorff planned to assassinate Hitler.
The assassination attempt involved a concealed bomb.
Gersdorff chose to defuse the bomb before detonation.
This reflects internal dissent within the German military.
What Happened?
Rudolf von Gersdorff was a Wehrmacht officer who sought to end Adolf Hitler's regime through assassination. His motivation stemmed from a growing disillusionment with the Nazi leadership and the war's disastrous course. In March 1943, Gersdorff meticulously planned to conceal a bomb under his uniform and was determined to trigger it during a visit by Hitler to Berlin's Museum of Technology. The plan depended on precise timing, as Gersdorff intended to detonate the bomb in close proximity to the Führer during his public appearance.
On the day of the planned attack, Gersdorff found himself in an emotionally charged situation. As Hitler's entourage arrived, he was overcome with hesitation and the weight of his decision. In a pivotal moment, he chose to defuse the bomb, realizing that going through with the act could also endanger the lives of countless innocents present at the event. This decision saved his life and allowed him to avoid immediate suspicion, but it also left him grappling with his convictions and the consequences of his initial intentions.
The attempted assassination of Hitler by von Gersdorff is one of many plots against the Führer during World War II. While ultimately unsuccessful, it reflected the growing internal dissent within the German military ranks against Hitler's leadership and the war's direction. These acts of resistance also contributed to the broader narrative of opposition against the Nazi regime, highlighting the complexities within Germany during this tumultuous period.
Why Does it Matter?
The failed assassination attempt by Rudolf von Gersdorff is interesting as it exemplifies the internal conflict within Germany regarding the Nazi regime. It showcases how some military leaders were increasingly reluctant to support Hitler's policies and actions, indicating fissures in loyalty. This event is significant as it forms part of the larger context of resistance movements within Germany that sought to challenge Hitler's authoritarian rule, reflecting the desperate circumstances faced by many during World War II.
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