Gedenkstatte Deutscher Widerstand (German Resistance Memorial Center), Berlin

Located in Berlin's Mitte district, the German Resistance Memorial Center serves as a poignant reminder of the daring coup attempt that unfolded on July 20, 1944, against the oppressive National Socialist regime. This pivotal event, known as the "20 July Plot" or "Operation Valkyrie", was led by a group of German officers and civilians during World War II, whose primary objective was to assassinate Adolf Hitler and overthrow the tyrannical Nazi regime ruling Germany, in the hopes of creating an opportunity to establish a new government that would end the war and prevent further devastation caused by regime.

Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg played a central role in this audacious plot. His deep disillusionment with Hitler's ideology and the heinous actions committed by the Nazis fueled his determination to take action. On July 20, 1944, von Stauffenberg, alongside other high-ranking officers, attended a military conference at the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's headquarters in East Prussia. Concealing a bomb inside a briefcase, he placed it under a table near Hitler during the meeting. Despite causing casualties and chaos, the explosion only resulted in minor injuries to the dictator, and he survived the assassination attempt; however, the plot's subsequent exposure triggered a swift and brutal crackdown on the conspirators. Many were arrested, subjected to interrogations, and executed in the ensuing days and weeks.

Today, visitors to the Memorial Center can explore the historic rooms and courtyards where key members of the German resistance operated and where the plot was organized. By showcasing the bravery and determination of these individuals, the institution encourages reflection, education, and a deeper understanding of the intricate history of resistance against totalitarian regimes.