Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg :: World War II WWII

Claus Schenk Graf von StauffenbergFrom autumn 1943 on, Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg becomes adecisive factor in the struggle against Hitler. In 1933, he ab initiofeels that National Socialist policy offers Germany favorableopportunities but is soon alienated by the regimes racial ideology.Yet Stauffenberg only assumes an active role in debate the regimeonce he realizes the consequences of German policy in east Europeand can estimate the full extent of the damage that Hitlers war hasbrought upon Germany and Europe. infra the influence of Henning von Tresckow, common FriedrichOlbricht, and First Lieutenant Fritz-Dietlof Graf von der Schulenburgof the army reserve, Stauffenberg becomes a focal point of the militaryconspiracy. He establishes important links to civilian resistancegroups and coordinates his blackwash plans with Carl FriedrichGoerdeler and Ludwig Beck, and with the conspirators waiting inreadiness in Paris, Vienna, Berlin, and at Army Group Center.Stauffenbergs W ay to the Assassination Attempt of July 20, 1944In early April 1943, Stauffenberg is severely wounded in Tunisia,barely escaping death. During the months of his convalescence, hegradually comes to realize he must take an active part in resistance.Even in earlier years, the churchs struggle, the persecution of theJews, and the crimes in eastern Europe have alienated Stauffenberg fromthe National Socialist state. His closest confidant is his brotherBerthold, who has had contacts to the opposition for a long time. Afteran extended period of convalescence, Colonel Claus Schenk Graf vonStauffenberg is ordained to the post of chief of staff of the GeneralArmy Office in October 1943. From June 1944 on, he also serves as chiefof staff for the commanding officer of the Ersatzheer (Reserve Army),General Friedrich Olbricht, at Olbrichts request. In this position hehas clearance to attend briefings at Hitlers headquarters in theso-called Wolfs Lair near Rastenburg in East Prussia. Olbrichtinfo rms Stauffenberg of his plans for a coup and introduces him tomembers of the resistance groups around Ludwig Beck and Carl FriedrichGoerdeler.Stauffenberg has a great deal of charisma and is valued for hisprofessional expertise. He brings many opponents of the regime togetherand makes close friends among them non only military officers but alsoSocial Democrats like Julius Leber, members of the Kreisau Circle likeAdam von Trott zu Solz, and representatives of the labor union movementlike Jakob Kaiser and Wilhelm Leuschner.The Planning of proceeding ValkyrieThe conspirators from the civilian and military resistance groupsrealize that the military leadership cannot be induced to act inconcert. They concentrate their efforts on eliminating Hitler, gainingcontrol of the military image of command, and assuming the