This “Reasons for Verdict” is nearly identical with the “Reasons” that follow the verdict earlier in this book. However, this is apparently Judge Freisler’s second draft (not handwritten, so therefore not first draft). The “edits” allow insight into the workings of the 1st Council. Continue reading
1H 47/43
In the Name
Of the German People Continue reading
In the course of our propagandistic activity, we have principally focused our recent thoughts on preparing leaflets that are directed at the student body. We believed that the majority of students are revolutionary and easily enthused, and above all that they dare to risk an undertaking [like this]. Continue reading
After my first leaflet operation that was carried out by Schmorell and me in Munich in the night of January 28/29, 1943, I could not see that these leaflets had any effect whatever. I saw no response of any kind from anyone following this operation. Continue reading
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
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
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
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.)
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 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.
White Rose History: January 1933 - October 1943 