Bruno Tesch, Walter Möller, Karl Wolff, and August Lütgens stood against the Nazi regime with their commitment to anti-fascism and social justice. As political activists, they were known for organizing protests and spreading awareness about the dangers of fascism during the early years of Hitler's rise to power. Their resistance activities took place in Altona, a region in Hamburg where political tensions were escalating following the Nazis' assumption of power in 1933. The regime's crackdown on dissenters was systematic, aiming to eliminate any opposition that threatened their control.

The execution of these four individuals was a stark demonstration of the lengths to which the Nazis would go to maintain their authoritarian rule. Being some of the first victims of the regime's brutal tactics, Tesch, Möller, Wolff, and Lütgens were captured during a wave of arrests targeting leftist opponents. The executions were carried out publicly, serving as a chilling warning to anyone who might consider opposing the Nazi ideology. Their deaths were not just a personal tragedy but part of a wider campaign to instill fear into the hearts of the citizenry and ensure compliance with the Nazi agenda.

The regime’s actions had a profound impact on the political landscape in Germany, pushing many dissidents underground and leading to the formation of various underground resistance movements. This incident marked a significant point in the early history of the Nazi regime, as it fueled public outrage and demonstrated the regime's commitment to silencing all forms of opposition. In the years to follow, the regime's violent repression of dissent would escalate, leading to the persecution and murder of millions across Europe.