In 1942, University of Munich students, Sophie Scholl, Hans Scholl, Christoph Probst, Willi Graf, Kurt Huber, and Alexander Schmorell formed an anti-Hitler resistance group called the White Rose. They chose the White Rose because it symbolizes innocence and purity. Beyond the core members there were others who participated in this group. The members took a stand against Hitler by writing 6 different anti-Hitler leaflets and printing thousands of them. Working day and night, the White Rose distributed the leaflets throughout Germany specifically in Munich and Hamburg. The White Rose painted slogans on walls over Munich protesting, “Down with Hitler!”, “Hitler the Mass Murderer!” and “Freedom!”. These actions were pronounced illegal in Germany. If word got out about the resisters, they could receive harsh punishment including death. Despite this, the White Rose continued to speak openly about their anti-Hitler beliefs and ideas. The White Rose worked to take a stand against Hitler and risked their lives in protest.
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The White Rose Members reenactment of printing and creating leaflets, 1942, Youtube
"How can we expect fate to let a righteous cause prevail when there is hardly anyone who will give himself up undivided to a righteous cause?"
- Sophie Scholl (core White Rose member) Q: Was them resisting important?
A: "Of course! They had to resist under conditions where most of the population was pro-Hitler – eager to turn in anyone suspect – or simply compliant or apathetic. They are great heroes in Germany today – perhaps the greatest – because they dared speak out to their own people and risk their lives when others remained silent or hostile." ~Interview with Dr. Jud Newborn, White Rose Expert |
Eugen Grimminger helped the White Rose through paying for necessities (stamps etc.). In 1922, Eugen Grimminger married a Jewish women, Jenny Stern, inspiring him to support the movement. Josef Soehngen's book store was the gathering place of the White Rose where they could send messages. and print leaflets. He later served a five year sentence for helping the White Rose.
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Before he was arrested, Christoph Probst wrote the seventh leaflet speaking to the German citizens, "today Germany is as encircled as Stalingrad was. Will all Germans be sacrificed to the harbinger of hate and destruction?" (Mueller). When Hans and Sophie were arrested, Hans tried to rip up the leaflet, but failed and the Nazis detected Christoph's handwriting and prosecuted him along with the other White Rose members.
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"Hitler became in 1938 the greatest threatening force that the democratic, freedom-loving world faces today" |
Marching in Support of Hitler, 1941, Youtube |