TREASON: Claus von Stauffenberg and the plot to kill Hitler
In ten episodes, Treason tells the remarkable and true story of Claus von Stauffenberg and the plot to assassinate Hitler.
In July 1944, Claus von Stauffenberg was 36 years old. He was a brilliant staff officer, regarded by many, including Hitler, as the most brilliant in the German Army. He was a decorated war hero. He had been badly wounded in North Africa, losing his right hand, two fingers of his left hand, and his left eye: he could have sat out the war on a pension. He was married with four children, and his wife was pregnant with their fifth. He had everything to live for – and yet he was prepared to risk all that to try and rid the world of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis.
The gripping narrative follows Claus von Stauffenberg as the Nazis rise to unleash the Second World War across Europe, Claus's increasing disillusionment with the regime, and the process of building an insurrection against Hitler.
We will hear about the many attempts on Hitler's life, and the courage and character of those in the German resistance who were prepared to act.
TREASON: Claus von Stauffenberg and the plot to kill Hitler
The Nazis Rise
How did an obscure Austrian idler rise to become the leader of the German Reich? How could a nation as cultured and enlightened as Germany instal the Nazis in government?
And what was the Third Reich regime like?
In 1923, Adolf Hitler was jailed when he attempted an insurrection in Bavaria. His party was banned. On his release, when the party was once more allowed to contest elections, the results were miserable.
But in the early 1930s, that changed.
The regime was ruthless and murderous, with the Night of the Long Knives revealing its bloodthirsty character.
By August 1934, Hitler held the offices of president and chancellor, and ruled by decree, without parliamentary scrutiny.
His program against the Jews, and his program of national expansion, could begin.
Written and narrated by Brian Walters
Original music, editing and sound design by the amazing Sam Loy
Episode Transcript
A full transcript of the episode is available here.
Read the book TREASON
You can read more about Claus von Stauffenberg and the German resistance to Hitler, in the book Treason by Brian Walters.
For those with iPads, Treason is available as an interactive Apple Book here.
The hard copy can be bought here.
If you live out of Australia, the hard copy is best purchased from Blurb.
There is also a Kindle version.
Resources
For a list of the creative commons music and sound effects used in this episode, head here.
Finally …
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By all means contact me, Brian Walters, by email on walters@vicbar.com.au