Abstract
The July 20th plot was the most wide-ranging resistance action in the
Third Reich. Correspondingly, its failure was a great triumph for the
Nazi regime. The Gestapo succeeded in unearthing large numbers of
co-conspirators in the military, civilian, and church opposition. The
Nazis' revenge was not limited to active participants, but often
included their family members as well. Additionally, the Nazi leadership
used the failed coup as an opportunity to eliminate other enemies
through arbitrary arrests, mock trials, and executions. The Gestapo-led
investigations continued until the end of the war. Altogether, about
1,500 persons were arrested and 200 killed. The photo shows, from left
to right, General Hermann Reinecke, presiding judge Roland Freisler, and
People's Court judge Lammele, who acted as associate judge.