Jan
15
The White Rose: Description of Topic
January 15, 2009 | | 2 Comments
I will be researching the activities of a Nazi resistance group, The White Rose, in order to understand how their leaflets describing the evils of Nazism affected students and professors at the University of Munich during WWII. I intend to prove that the group inspired students and professors to question their prior faith in the Nazi regime and to turn toward political activism to ensure a brighter future for Germany.
Through my research, I hope to answer some questions concerning the nature of the group and its effects on the students and professors at the University. Such questions include: What inspired them to unite in defiance of Hitler’s Germany? Were they motivated by religion, politics, philosophy, or guilt? How many members were involved with this group? How did they write and distribute their leaflets without being caught? When were they caught? Were the leaflets their only venue? In discovering the answers to these questions I hope to help others realize that although an overwhelming number of Germans were convinced by Nazi indoctrination, there were those that stood up to the evils of the Nazi agenda, risking their lives to spread truth throughout Germany.
Comments
2 Comments so far
Great topic and you’ve outlined some excellent questions. What was it exactly about the Nazi regime that they were protesting? Also, any chance that it’s possible to find translations of their leaflets and other writings?
I recall a traveling exhibit in the US on resistance to the Nazis back in the early/mid-90s (at least, it stopped by UNC’s student union around that time). You might try searching the internet for information on such exhibits, as well as primary sources they may contain.
This is a great topic and it is really very interesting, especially since not many people know about them. We studied them in German in my High School and I could not believe the amount of courage they displayed in actively resisting the Nazi’s. Something you might want to look into was their capture and interrogation. Sophie is especially noted for her strength at this point.
I do believe that their leaflets were translated into English, and those will be an essential primary document. Also, I believe their trials were recorded and most likely also translated.