Carl Goerdeler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carl Friedrich Goerdeler
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| Born | 31 July 1884 |
| Died | 2 February 1945 (aged 60) Berlin, Germany
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| Nationality | German |
| Occupation | Politician, civil servant, executive & economist. |
| Known for | One of the leaders of the conservative widerstand movement in Nazi Germany |
| Political party | DNVP |
| Spouse(s) | Anneliese Ulrich |
| Children | 5 (e.g. Reinhard Goerdeler) |
Carl Friedrich Goerdeler (born July 31, 1884 – died February 2, 1945) was an important German politician and economist. He was also a civil servant, meaning he worked for the government. Goerdeler was a strong opponent of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime. He believed in traditional values and supported the idea of a monarchy, where a king or queen would lead the country. If a secret plan to remove Hitler from power on July 20, 1944, had succeeded, Goerdeler was chosen to become the new leader of Germany, known as the Chancellor.
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Carl Friedrich Goerdeler's Life
Carl Friedrich Goerdeler was born in 1884 in a town called Schneidemühl, which is now in Poland. He grew up to be a very smart and dedicated person. He studied economics and law, which prepared him for a career in public service.
Early Career and Public Service
Goerdeler began his career working in local government. He was known for being very organized and good at managing cities. He believed in honest government and working hard for the people. His skills led him to higher positions.
Mayor of Leipzig
From 1930 to 1937, Goerdeler served as the mayor of Leipzig, a major city in Germany. During his time as mayor, he worked to improve the city and its services. He was respected for his leadership and his commitment to his community. However, he soon found himself in conflict with the rising power of the Nazi party.
Opposing the Nazi Regime
Carl Friedrich Goerdeler was one of the brave people who stood up against the Nazi government. He disagreed with their policies and their violent methods. He believed that the Nazis were destroying Germany and its values.
Why Goerdeler Opposed the Nazis
Goerdeler was a conservative, meaning he believed in traditional ways and values. He also believed in freedom and justice. The Nazis, however, were taking away people's freedoms and committing terrible acts. Goerdeler saw this as wrong and dangerous for Germany. He spoke out against their economic policies and their treatment of people.
Working Against Hitler
As the Nazis gained more control, Goerdeler became more involved in secret groups that wanted to overthrow Hitler. These groups included people from different backgrounds, like military officers and other politicians. They all shared the goal of creating a better, more just Germany. Goerdeler played a key role in these groups because of his experience in government and his clear ideas for a new Germany.
The 20 July Plot
One of the most famous attempts to remove Hitler was the 20 July Plot in 1944. This was a secret plan by a group of German military officers and civilians to assassinate Hitler and take control of the government.
Goerdeler's Role in the Plot
If the plot had succeeded, Carl Friedrich Goerdeler was chosen to be the new Chancellor of Germany. This shows how much trust and respect the plotters had in him. They believed he had the leadership skills and the vision to guide Germany after Hitler. However, the plot failed, and the Nazi regime quickly hunted down everyone involved.
Goerdeler's Fate
After the failure of the 20 July Plot, Goerdeler was arrested. He was put on trial by the Nazi government. Because of his strong opposition to Hitler and his role in the plot, he was sentenced to death. Carl Friedrich Goerdeler was executed on February 2, 1945. He is remembered as a courageous figure who fought for a better Germany.
Images for kids
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Goerdeler as an officer on the Eastern Front, 1916
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On trial at the People's Court, Roland Freisler presiding at left.
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Plötzensee Memorial, 2005
See also
In Spanish: Carl Friedrich Goerdeler para niños
