Germany Reflects on the Complex Legacy of the July 20 Plot Against Hitler
On the 80th anniversary, leaders and historians examine the motives and impact of the failed assassination attempt.
- Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the enduring need to combat hatred and extremism.
- The plot, known as Operation Valkyrie, aimed to kill Hitler and negotiate an end to the war.
- Historians highlight the mixed motivations of the conspirators, ranging from moral opposition to strategic dissent.
- The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has controversially used the plot to support its modern political agenda.
- New historical research challenges the idealized narrative of the plotters as unblemished heroes.