The accused Sophia Scholl participated in political discussions as early as the summer of 1942. During these discussions, she and her brother Hans Scholl came to believe that Germany had all but lost the war. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: May 1942
Hans Scholl’s reason for the leaflets
The accused Hans Scholl had long harbored misgivings regarding the political state of affairs. He had reached the conclusion that it was not the bulk of the German people, but rather the intelligentsia who had failed politically – not only in 1918, but also after the National Socialists came to power. Continue reading
Sophie Scholl’s reasons for leaflets
We were convinced that Germany had lost the war and that every life that is sacrificed for this lost cause is sacrificed in vain. The sacrifice demanded at Stalingrad especially moved us to undertake something in opposition to the (in our opinion) senseless shedding of blood. Continue reading
Alexander Schmorell – reason for the leaflets
In Scholl, I recognized a man who had unreservedly subscribed to my idea. Therefore the two of us sought to point out to the German people by means of the publication and distribution of our flyers that it was possible to shorten the war. Continue reading
Hans Scholl’s reasons
When I first decided to produce and distribute leaflets, it was obvious to me that such conduct was in opposition to the current regime. And I was convinced that I must act on my inner convictions. I believed that this inner duty was greater than the oath that I had sworn as a soldier. I knew what I took upon myself and I was prepared to lose my life by so doing.
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Source: Hans Scholl’s second interrogation, February 18, 1943 (after 4 a.m.)
Bischoff’s view of motivation for White Rose leaflets
The leaflets of the “White Rose” contain attacks on National Socialism, particularly against its cultural-political efforts. They are occupied with alleged atrocities committed against Jews and Poles. Continue reading
Hans Scholl’s reason for leaflets
I believed that the military situation rendered a victorious end of the war impossible on our part, especially following the defeat on the Eastern front and the tremendous growth of the military might of England and America. Continue reading
Hans Scholl’s reasons
I am of the opinion that it was not the majority of the German people who failed politically in the time between 1918 – 1933, and above all in 1933. Rather it was that class of people in a nation that should lead a nation politically, [namely] the intelligentsia. Continue reading
Alexander Schmorell re reasons for leaflets
Hans Scholl and I wanted to bring about a revolution through the publication and distribution of our leaflets. We were fully aware that our mode of operation was directed against the current regime and that should we be discovered, we would have to count on the harshest punishment. But nevertheless, we could not be deterred from proceeding in this manner against the current regime, because both of us believed that we could shorten the war thereby.
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Source: Schmorell’s initial interrogation.
Hans and Inge Scholl to Vorderriβ
Pentecost 1942 my sister Inge Scholl and I were in Vorderrieβ [sic]. Continue reading
Katharina Schüddekopf meets Traute Lafrenz
Miss Lafrenz introduced me to the Scholl circle. I met her around May 1942 in one of Professor Huber’s lectures [Note 1] at the University of Munich. Continue reading
Gisela visits Spetzgart
In May 1942, the accused visited the school in Spetzgart and took part in a choral rehearsal. The choir director noticed that this girl (he did not recognize Schertling as a [former] pupil of the school) stood out because of her noticeable rigidity.
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Source: April 7, 1943 petition from Karl Götz to People’s Court
Ulla Claudius
I do not personally know Miss Ulla Claudius from Hamburg. Sophie Scholl told me that the previous year, they had gotten together with Miss Claudius quite often. Continue reading
Hans Scholl residence – Mandlstrasse 1
To the best of my knowledge, the student Hans Scholl, single, occupied a rented room in my house for approximately 14 days at the end of May or beginning of June 1942. During this time he received few of the visitors who called on him, since in most cases his sister was with him. Scholl always deported himself well and there was no cause for complaint. Continue reading
Gisela in Freiburg
The report cards that I am enclosing demonstrate this rather one-sided talent and inclination of the accused. Continue reading
Gisela Schertling to Freiburg
Every once in a while, I would get a letter from Sophie. If a letter contained political sentences, I just took it as something unusual and did not worry about it. Continue reading
Gisela Schertling in Freiburg
In the Summer Semester 1942 I attended the University of Freiburg.
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Source: Initial interrogation of Gisela Schertling, February 18, 1943
Schertling/Scholl correspondence
After finishing my Labor Service, I continued our friendship only through correspondence until the beginning of the Winter Semester 1942/43 in Munich.
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Source: Initial interrogation of Gisela Schertling, February 18, 1943
Gisela Schertling to Freiburg
As a student in Jena, where she joined the NS League of Students, as well as in Freiburg, Schertling lived a very reserved, diligent, and sober life.
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Sophie Scholl meets Christoph Probst
Question: How long have you known the medical student Christof Probst from Lermoos near Garmisch? What is your relationship with him? What did he have to do with the leaflet operation, or what, in what manner did he participate? Continue reading
Fritz Hartnagel gives Sophie Scholl 200 Marks
In May 1942 during a short furlough, Hartnagel gave me the sum of 200 Marks [$1600.00] to use as I wished.
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Source: Third interrogation of Sophie Scholl, February 20, 1943
Sophie Scholl registers at university
In the meantime, I decided to study Natural Sciences and Philosophy. Therefore, I registered at the University of Munich at the end of April 1942 for the first time – that is when the Summer Semester 1942 began. … Continue reading
Alexander Schmorell’s self-defined circle of friends
Outside the time dedicated to my studies, I enjoy the company of a small circle of friends. In particular, this includes [Note 1] Hans Scholl and Christoph Probst, who also studied [Note 2] medicine. Continue reading
White Rose History: January 1933 - October 1943 