Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg :: World War II WWII

Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg From autumn 1943 on, Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg becomes a decisive factor in the struggle against Hitler. In 1933, he initially feels that National Socialist policy offers Germany favorable opportunities but is soon alienated by the regime's racial ideology. Yet Stauffenberg only assumes an active role in opposing the regime once he realizes the consequences of German policy in eastern Europe and can estimate the full extent of the damage that Hitler's war has brought upon Germany and Europe. Under the influence of Henning von Tresckow, General Friedrich Olbricht, and First Lieutenant Fritz-Dietlof Graf von der Schulenburg of the army reserve, Stauffenberg becomes a focal point of the military conspiracy. He establishes important links to civilian resistance groups and coordinates his assassination plans with Carl Friedrich Goerdeler and Ludwig Beck, and with the conspirators waiting in readiness in Paris, Vienna, Berlin, and at Army Group Center. Stauffenberg's Way to the Assassination Attempt of July 20, 1944 In early April 1943, Stauffenberg is severely wounded in Tunisia, barely escaping death. During the months of his convalescence, he gradually comes to realize he must take an active part in resistance. Even in earlier years, the church's struggle, the persecution of the Jews, and the crimes in eastern Europe have alienated Stauffenberg from the National Socialist state. His closest confidant is his brother Berthold, who has had contacts to the opposition for a long time. After an extended period of convalescence, Colonel Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg is appointed to the post of chief of staff of the General Army Office in October 1943. From June 1944 on, he also serves as chief of staff for the commanding officer of the Ersatzheer (Reserve Army), General Friedrich Olbricht, at Olbricht's request. In this position he has clearance to attend briefings at Hitler's headquarters in the so-called "Wolf's Lair" near Rastenburg in East Prussia. Olbricht informs Stauffenberg of his plans for a coup and introduces him to members of the resistance groups around Ludwig Beck and Carl Friedrich Goerdeler. Stauffenberg has a great deal of charisma and is valued for his professional expertise. He brings many opponents of the regime together and makes close friends among them not only military officers but also Social Democrats like Julius Leber, members of the Kreisau Circle like Adam von Trott zu Solz, and representatives of the labor union movement like Jakob Kaiser and Wilhelm Leuschner. The Planning of Operation "Valkyrie" The conspirators from the civilian and military resistance groups realize that the military leadership cannot be induced to act in concert. They concentrate their efforts on eliminating Hitler, gaining control of the military chain of command, and assuming the