Killing Hitler. The story of Georg Elser

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How Georg Elser Attempted to Assassinate Hitler

1. Background Information:

   • Georg Elser, a craftsman, decided to assassinate Hitler to prevent another world war.
   • He planned to plant a bomb during Hitler's speech at the Bürgerbräukeller in Munich on November 8, 1939.

2. Choosing the Location:

   • Identify the Bürgerbräukeller in Munich as the ideal location due to its historical significance and accessibility during Hitler's speech.

3. Obtaining Explosives:

   • Elser worked at an armaments factory to gain access to explosives and stole detonators and powder from a quarry where he worked.

4. Designing the Bomb:

   • Elser, with limited bomb-making knowledge, used clock parts to create a timer mechanism for the bomb.
   • He tested the explosives in a secluded area to ensure they were functional.

5. Preparing the Bomb:

   • Elser meticulously assembled the bomb with a timer set to detonate during Hitler's speech at the Bürgerbräukeller.

6. Planting the Bomb:

   • Elser secretly traveled to Munich and concealed the bomb inside a concrete pillar at the Bürgerbräukeller.
   • He worked discreetly over several nights to avoid detection.

7. Final Adjustments:

   • Elser modified the timing mechanism to fit inside the pillar and set the clocks in motion for the bomb to detonate at the desired time.

8. Escape Plan:

   • Elser planned to escape to Switzerland after planting the bomb to avoid capture.

9. Execution of the Plan:

   • On November 8, 1939, Hitler gave a speech at the Bürgerbräukeller, and Elser's bomb detonated, causing chaos and casualties.
   • Elser attempted to flee but was captured near the Swiss border with incriminating evidence in his possession.

10. Capture and Trial:

    • Elser was arrested and confessed to the assassination attempt but was not immediately executed.
    • Hitler intended to use Elser and other assassins for a public trial for propaganda purposes after the war.

11. Fate of Georg Elser:

    • Elser was held in custody and later executed in a concentration camp in April 1945, a month before the end of World War II.

12. Conclusion:

    • Despite Elser's meticulous planning and execution, his attempt to assassinate Hitler failed, and he paid the ultimate price for his actions.

By following these steps, you can understand the detailed account of Georg Elser's courageous but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler.