Operation Valkyrie

Not everyone in Nazi Germany shared Hitler's ideology or supported the atrocities committed by the regime. There were resistance movements that emerged with the aim of overthrowing Hitler and ending the Nazi regime.

# Operation Valkyrie

One notable example is the "Valkyrie" plot, also known as Operation Valkyrie or the July 20 Plot, which was an attempt to assassinate Hitler in 1944.

The Valkyrie plot was spearheaded by a group of high-ranking German officers and civilians who were disillusioned with Hitler's leadership and the direction in which the war was heading. Led by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, they sought to eliminate Hitler and seize control of the government in order to negotiate a separate peace with the Allies. Their motivation stemmed from a deep concern for Germany's future and a desire to prevent further destruction and loss of life.

On July 20, 1944, Stauffenberg placed a briefcase bomb in Hitler's conference room during a meeting at the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's headquarters in East Prussia. The bomb exploded but failed to kill Hitler outright. Despite the failed assassination attempt, the conspirators believed that Hitler had perished and proceeded with their plan to take control of the government. However, Hitler survived with minor injuries, and the plot was swiftly crushed by loyalist forces.

The repercussions for those involved in the Valkyrie plot were severe. Many of the conspirators were arrested, interrogated, and executed. Estimates suggest that around 200 individuals were executed for their involvement, including Stauffenberg and other key figures. The brutal suppression of the plot further solidified Hitler's grip on power and signaled the tightening of security measures within Nazi Germany.

The Valkyrie plot, along with other smaller resistance movements and acts of defiance, exemplified the existence of dissent and opposition within Nazi Germany. It underscores the fact that not all Germans subscribed to Hitler's dangerous ideology and that there were those who recognized the need for change. These individuals risked their lives to challenge the regime, driven by their belief in a different future for their country.

# Legacy

Operation Valkyrie became legendary in After WWII Germany and after the Golden Age of Hollywood, during the Contemporary Hollywood era directors and scenario creators began creating historical films, This period (1960 to 2005) saw the production of numerous politically and historically significant films, as well as an increased emphasis on action and war-themed movies.

Operation Valkyrie, also known as the 20 July Plot, has been the subject of several movies over the years. One of the most accurate and well-known portrayals of this historical event is the 2008 movie "Valkyrie" directed by Bryan Singer.

Tom Cruise played the central role of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, who played a crucial part in the plot. The movie provides a compelling look into the daring efforts of these officers to bring an end to Hitler's regime.

"Valkyrie" is considered one of the most accurate cinematic portrayals of Operation Valkyrie and the events surrounding it, but is not the only film until the creation of this page about the operation.

Here is a list of other movies that have depicted Operation Valkyrie.

* "The Night of the Generals" (1967)
* "Stauffenberg" (2004)
* "The Conspirator" (2010)
* "13 Minutes" (2015)

Dangerous ideas, such as the ideology propagated by the Nazis, are not exclusive to specific nations or ethnicities. They can arise in any society.  The actions of those involved in resistance movements like Valkyrie demonstrate that courage and moral conviction can arise even in the face of immense danger, and they serve as a reminder that it is the ideas themselves that must be confronted and defeated, rather than an entire country or its people.