Ep 4. Killing Hitler

The Complete Story of Hitler and the Nazis season 1 episode 4, titled "Killing Hitler," delves into the many attempts made on Adolf Hitler's life. From early in his rise to power, there were individuals and groups who opposed Hitler and the Nazi party, and some of these people went so far as to plan assassinations. The episode explores the most notorious of these plots, including Operation Valkyrie, which was led by high-ranking military officials and nearly succeeded in killing Hitler in 1944.

The episode begins by examining the early attempts on Hitler's life, including a shooting that took place in November 1939 and an unsuccessful bombing attempt in Munich in 1943. It then turns its attention to Operation Valkyrie, which was a plan devised by the German military to overthrow Hitler and the Nazi party. The plan involved using the military's existing emergency protocols, known as Plan Valkyrie, to mobilize troops across the country and establish a new government. The conspirators hoped that, by killing Hitler and his top officials, they could eliminate the Nazi government and re-establish a democratic Germany.

The episode profiles some of the key players in the Valkyrie plot, including General Friedrich Olbricht, who was one of the masterminds behind the plan, and Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, who became the public face of the plot thanks to his daring assassination attempt. The episode explores the logistics of the plan, which involved planting a bomb in a briefcase and leaving it in a conference room where Hitler was scheduled to meet with top military officials. The briefcase was delivered by Stauffenberg, who then left the room and waited for the explosion.

The episode then documents the aftermath of the bomb plot, which was ultimately unsuccessful. Despite the fact that the bomb did explode and kill several people, Hitler himself was not in the direct line of fire and sustained only minor injuries. The conspirators were quickly rounded up and executed, and the Nazi party went on to fight for several more months before finally surrendering in May 1945.

Throughout the episode, the filmmakers provide context for the Valkyrie plot, exploring the broader historical context of Hitler's reign and the various factions within the German military and government that opposed him. The episode also delves into the psychological factors that may have motivated Hitler's assassination attempts, including possible mental illness and relationships with women that may have had an influence.

Overall, The Complete Story of Hitler and the Nazis season 1 episode 4 is a gripping exploration of one of the most famous assassination attempts in history, offering a detailed look at the motives and actions of those who sought to eliminate Hitler and the Nazi party. Through interviews with historians, experts, and survivors of the plot, the episode offers a nuanced understanding of the forces at work in Nazi Germany and the resilience of the Nazi regime even in the face of incredible opposition. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about one of the most tumultuous periods in world history, "Killing Hitler" is an informative and engaging installment of this compelling series.