Yes, Valkyrie (2008) is based on the true story of the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler by German officer Claus von Stauffenberg in 1944.
What is the true story behind the movie Valkyrie (2008)?
The movie Valkyrie (2008) is based on the true story of the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler by a group of German officers and civilians during World War II. The plot of the movie revolved around Operation Valkyrie, a plan to use the emergency powers granted to the German army in case of an internal uprising to seize control of the government and assassinate Hitler.
The group of conspirators, which included Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, played by Tom Cruise in the movie, believed that Hitler was leading Germany towards a disastrous defeat in the war and that his removal was necessary to prevent further destruction. The plan involved planting a bomb in Hitler’s headquarters, known as the Wolf’s Lair, during a meeting with high-ranking officials.
On July 20, 1944, Stauffenberg successfully planted a bomb in the Wolf’s Lair, but the explosion only injured Hitler and failed to kill him. The conspirators’ plan to take control of the government also failed as other military and political leaders remained loyal to Hitler.
The aftermath of the failed assassination attempt was brutal, with thousands of people arrested and executed for their involvement in the plot. Stauffenberg and several other key conspirators were executed by firing squad the same day.
Despite its failure, Operation Valkyrie became an iconic symbol of resistance against the Nazi regime and a reminder that some Germans actively opposed Hitler’s leadership.
Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Valkyrie (2008)?
Yes, there are several books about the true story behind the movie Valkyrie (2008):
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Valkyrie: The Plot to Kill Hitler by Philipp von Boeselager - This book is written by one of the actual members of the plot to assassinate Hitler and gives a firsthand account of their actions.
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Operation Valkyrie: The German Generals’ Plot Against Hitler by Pierre Galante - This book provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the attempted assassination of Hitler.
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Valkyrie: The Story of the Plot to Kill Hitler, by Its Last Member by Heinz Linge - Heinz Linge was the last surviving member of the plot and this book provides his personal account of the events.
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The Valkyrie Conspiracy: The Plot to Kill Hitler Before the War by Neil Bascomb - This book takes a broader perspective and looks at the plot in the context of wider resistance movements in Germany.
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Killing Hitler: Valkyrie, the Plot to Kill Hitler and the Origins of Post-War Germany by Roger Moorhouse - This book examines the impact of the plot on post-war Germany and the wider geopolitical landscape.
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