Killing Hitler

1. Hitler's survival of multiple assassination attempts defied probability

Hitler, it appeared, had a "guardian devil."

Numerous close calls. Hitler survived over 40 documented assassination attempts throughout his rule. These ranged from elaborate plots by military insiders to lone wolf attacks by civilians. Some attempts came remarkably close to success, with Hitler escaping by mere minutes or meters.

Factors in Hitler's survival:

• Unpredictable schedule and last-minute changes to plans
• Increasingly sophisticated security measures
• Luck and coincidence (e.g. bomb failing to detonate due to cold temperatures)
• Hitler's own belief in his "destiny," which may have made him less cautious

Hitler's repeated escapes from death reinforced his conviction that he was protected by providence for a special mission. This belief likely contributed to his increasingly reckless decision-making in the later years of the war.

2. Diverse groups attempted to assassinate Hitler, including Poles and Soviets

Few of those killed would conventionally be considered to be the mortal enemies of the advancing forces.

Polish resistance. The Polish underground, one of the largest and most effective resistance movements in occupied Europe, made several attempts on Hitler's life. These included a plot to bomb his motorcade in Warsaw in 1939 and a planned train derailment in 1942.

Soviet efforts:

• NKVD (Soviet secret police) considered various assassination plans
• Deployed specially trained agents behind German lines
• Some agents, like Nikolai Kuznetsov, successfully assassinated high-ranking Nazi officials

While these external attempts ultimately failed, they demonstrate the widespread desire to eliminate Hitler across occupied Europe and among Germany's enemies. The diversity of would-be assassins highlights Hitler's broad impact and the desperation of those seeking to end his rule.

3. The German military resistance faced unique moral and practical challenges

"Prussian field marshals do not mutiny!"

Ethical dilemma. Many German officers felt torn between their oath of loyalty to Hitler and their growing realization of the regime's criminality. This conflict delayed action and caused hesitation even among committed resisters.

Practical obstacles:

• Need for secrecy limited coordination and planning
• Difficulty in accessing Hitler due to security measures
• Uncertainty about post-Hitler governance and fear of chaos

The military resisters often came from conservative, nationalist backgrounds, making their decision to plot against the state particularly agonizing. Their attempts were further complicated by the need to appear loyal while secretly working against the regime they had sworn to serve.

4. Operation Valkyrie: The most famous plot came closest to success

"Now they will all fall upon us and cover us with abuse. But I am convinced, now as much as ever, that we have done the right thing."

Elaborate plan. Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg's July 20, 1944 plot involved planting a bomb in Hitler's conference room and using the chaos of his presumed death to seize control of the government and military.

Key elements of Operation Valkyrie:

• Stauffenberg's personal bravery in planting the bomb
• Utilization of existing emergency plans to mobilize troops
• Network of co-conspirators in key positions

Despite meticulous planning, the plot failed due to a combination of bad luck (the bomb was moved) and hesitation by some conspirators after the explosion. The aftermath saw thousands of suspected resisters and their families arrested, tortured, and executed, decimating the German resistance movement.

5. British intelligence grappled with the ethics of assassinating Hitler

"We have not reached that stage…when we have to use assassination as a substitute for diplomacy."

Evolving stance. Initially, British intelligence rejected assassination as "unsportsmanlike." However, as the war progressed, attitudes shifted towards considering more drastic measures.

Factors influencing British policy:

• Desire to maintain moral high ground
• Concern about making Hitler a martyr
• Debate over military vs. political impact of assassination

The creation of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in 1940 marked a turn towards more aggressive tactics, including potential assassination. However, by the time concrete plans were developed (e.g., Operation Foxley in 1944), some argued Hitler was more valuable alive as an incompetent leader than as a martyr.

6. Hitler's security measures evolved in response to assassination attempts

Hitler, it appeared, had a "guardian devil."

Increasing paranoia. With each failed attempt, Hitler's security apparatus grew more elaborate and restrictive. This evolution reflected both genuine threats and Hitler's growing mistrust of those around him.

Key security developments:

• Creation of multiple, overlapping security agencies (e.g., SS, SD, RSD)
• Fortification of key locations like the Wolf's Lair headquarters
• Restricted access to Hitler, even for high-ranking officials
• Use of body doubles and decoy vehicles

While these measures made assassination more difficult, they also isolated Hitler from reality and competent advisors, contributing to poor decision-making in the war's later stages.

7. Failed attempts often strengthened Hitler's belief in his divine mission

"I am invulnerable, I am immortal."

Psychological impact. Each time Hitler survived an assassination attempt, it reinforced his conviction that he was destined to lead Germany to greatness. This belief became increasingly fanatical as the war turned against Germany.

Effects of failed assassinations:

• Bolstered Hitler's public image as divinely protected
• Increased his willingness to take military and political risks
• Fueled purges of perceived enemies within the regime

Hitler's survival of the July 20 plot, in particular, led him to believe he was "invulnerable" and "immortal." This delusion contributed to his refusal to consider surrender even as Germany faced certain defeat in 1945.

8. The German resistance's motivations were complex and sometimes contradictory

"It must be done. This is our only chance…. Hitler must be cut down like a rabid dog."

Diverse backgrounds. The German resistance included military officers, civilians, and even some early Nazi supporters who became disillusioned. Their reasons for opposing Hitler varied widely.

Common motivations among resisters:

• Moral outrage at Nazi atrocities and war crimes
• Desire to preserve Germany's honor and culture
• Belief that Hitler was leading Germany to destruction
• Hope to negotiate better peace terms for Germany

Many resisters struggled with being seen as traitors to their country while believing their actions were ultimately patriotic. Some, like Stauffenberg, underwent a gradual transformation from initial support of the regime to active opposition.

9. Hitler's scorched earth policy in 1945 revealed his nihilistic worldview

"If we go down, then the German people will go down with us."

Destruction as policy. In the final months of the war, Hitler ordered the systematic destruction of German infrastructure, industry, and cultural sites to deny them to the advancing Allies. This "Nero Decree" demonstrated Hitler's willingness to sacrifice his own people.

Elements of Hitler's nihilism:

• Belief that the German people had "failed" him and were unworthy of survival
• Desire to create a apocalyptic finale to match his grandiose visions
• Rejection of surrender as a option, preferring total destruction

Hitler's scorched earth orders were often ignored or sabotaged by officials like Albert Speer, who recognized their madness. However, the policy reveals the depths of Hitler's destructive mindset and his inability to conceive of a world without his rule.

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Last updated: November 19, 2024