Ep 2. Early Attempts on Hitler's life

In Hitler's Bodyguard season 1 episode 2, titled "Early Attempts on Hitler's Life", viewers are taken on a journey through the various assassination attempts on the German leader during the 1930s, prior to World War II. This episode delves into the political and ideological reasons behind these attempts, as well as the individuals and organizations responsible.

The episode starts by providing a historical context for the growing opposition to Hitler's regime, both within Germany and from abroad. Viewers learn about the formation of organizations such as the Schwarze Kapelle (Black Orchestra) and the Kreisau Circle, which were made up of dissident military officers, politicians, and intellectuals. These groups sought to overthrow Hitler and his regime, either through a palace coup or by direct action.

The episode then turns to some of the most notable attempts on Hitler's life. Viewers are introduced to Georg Elser, a carpenter who attended Nazi rallies and meticulously planned a bomb attack on Hitler during a speech in Munich in 1939. Although the attempt failed, Elser's story sheds light on the motivations of those who sought to assassinate Hitler - in his case, a deep personal revulsion at the dictator's anti-Semitism and warmongering.

Other attempts are also explored, including a 1938 plot by a group of Wehrmacht officers to detonate bombs in Hitler's plane during a flight, and a 1932 attack on Hitler by a young communist named Johann Georg Elser. Viewers learn about the methods used by these groups and individuals, as well as the factors that contributed to their failures.

The episode also explores the role of Hitler's security detail in preventing these attempts. Viewers meet members of Hitler's inner circle, including his personal bodyguard, the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. The episode explains how the security apparatus around Hitler grew in response to the growing threat of assassination, with surveillance and background checks becoming increasingly stringent.

Throughout the episode, viewers are provided with a range of perspectives on the assassination attempts. We hear from historians and experts on the subject, as well as from family members of those involved in the plots. The episode also features archival footage, photographs, and reenactments to help bring the stories to life.

Overall, "Early Attempts on Hitler's Life" provides an in-depth look at the various groups and individuals who sought to bring down Hitler's regime in the years leading up to World War II. It explores the complex motivations and methods of these actors, while also showing how Hitler's security apparatus grew in response to the growing threat. The episode is a gripping and informative addition to the series, and will leave viewers with a renewed appreciation for the complexity of the historical events it covers.