On February 18, 1943, Hans and Sophie Scholl, students of the University of Munich, were arrested for distributing anti-Nazi leaflets and later executed.
On February 18, 1943, siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl were arrested while distributing anti-Nazi leaflets at the University of Munich. This act was part of a broader resistance campaign by the 'White Rose' group, which had been active since mid-1942, spreading messages that criticized the Nazi regime and its inhumane ideologies. The leaflets drew parallels between Nazi public policy and historical figures known for their moral integrity, contrasting them against the backdrop of Enlightenment philosophies and revered spiritual texts.
The Gestapo, having been tracking the group for months, quickly apprehended the Scholls after their actions were noticed by a university janitor. The rapid response by the authorities reflects the Nazi regime's intense crackdown on dissent during World War II. Just hours after their arrest, the Scholls were taken into custody and faced a swift trial that led to their execution for treason, reinforcing the risks faced by those opposing the totalitarian government.
The executions of Hans and Sophie Scholl and their fellow resistance members have since become a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression. Their courageous stand against the Nazi regime has inspired generations in Germany and beyond, underlining the importance of standing up for moral convictions in the face of authoritarianism.
