Claus von Stauffenberg

Claus Philipp Maria Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg (15 November 1907 – 21 July 1944) was a German army officer and aristocrat who is best known for his role in the 20 July plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and remove the Nazi Party from power during World War II.

Early Life and Education

Claus von Stauffenberg was born into the noble Stauffenberg family at their family seat in Jettingen, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, which was part of the German Empire at the time. He was the third of four sons of Alfred Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg and Caroline née von Üxküll-Gyllenband. The Stauffenbergs were a Catholic family with a long history of military service.

Stauffenberg received a traditional education befitting his status, attending the prestigious Eberhard-Ludwigs-Gymnasium in Stuttgart. He later joined the Reichswehr, the German military, in 1926, where he began his career as a professional soldier.

Military Career

Stauffenberg's military career progressed steadily. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in 1930 and served in various cavalry units. By the time World War II began, he had risen to the rank of captain. Stauffenberg participated in the Invasion of Poland in 1939 and the Battle of France in 1940, where he distinguished himself as a capable officer.

In 1943, Stauffenberg was severely wounded in North Africa, losing his left eye, right hand, and two fingers on his left hand. Despite these injuries, he continued to serve in the German Army and was promoted to the rank of colonel.

The 20 July Plot

Stauffenberg became increasingly disillusioned with the Nazi regime and its conduct of the war. He joined a group of conspirators who sought to overthrow Hitler and establish a government that could negotiate peace with the Allies. The plan, known as the 20 July plot, involved assassinating Hitler and initiating a coup d'état.

On 20 July 1944, Stauffenberg attended a meeting at the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's headquarters in East Prussia, where he planted a bomb in a briefcase under the table. The bomb exploded, but Hitler survived with minor injuries. The coup attempt failed, and Stauffenberg was arrested later that day.

Execution and Legacy

Claus von Stauffenberg was executed by firing squad on 21 July 1944, along with several other conspirators. His actions, however, have been remembered as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and oppression. Stauffenberg's legacy is complex, as he was both a patriot and a participant in a regime that committed numerous atrocities.

Also see

• 20 July plot
• Adolf Hitler
• German Resistance to Nazism
• Wolf's Lair
• Reichswehr