ia_2009_c_laura

=Evaluation of Sources (250-400 words) Tips]=

__**Source 1:**__ [Appendix 1]

In terms of purpose, the source is valuable because it clearly demonstrates the negative aspects of the Nazi Regime and hence why the White Rose opposed National Socialism. It can be seen from the source that some of the reasons for the opposition of Nazi Germany were suppression, censorship [FOOTNOTE="a state in which all free expression of opinion is unscrupulously suppressed"], manipulation and the cunning transformation into cold-blooded murderers of the German population [FOOTNOTE="conscienceless exploiters and executioners"], which consequently no longer had its own opinion or belief. With regard to the origin, the leaflet was written in 1943 by the resistance movement ‘White Rose’, which consisted of German students opposing Hitler’s regime. Thus the source is valuable as it provides first hand knowledge of the negative facts, which partially aroused a feeling of discontent and subsequently caused opposition of Hitler’s regime.

On the other hand, the origin of the source can be considered a limitation as the ‘White Rose’ was too wrapped up in events, which denounced the regime and thus the source does not provide information about why other opposing groups refused to support Hitler. Opposing groups such as the ‘Swing Youth’, the ‘Edelweiss Pirates’ and the Confessing Church did not rebel for the same reasons as the ‘White Rose’. Both the ‘Swing Youth’ and the ‘Edelweiss Pirates’ consisted of juveniles, who resented the regimentation of the Hitler Youth, hence demanding “eternal war on the Hitler youth” [1] as well as desiring a certain freedom, enabling adolescents to develop a certain culture and personality. [FOOTNOTE]

[FOOTNOTE = The Confessing Church opposed the Nazi Regime, as they disliked the idea of merging both politics and religion. Hence the 'White Rose' could be considered the least noble resistance movement as many of the members had been part of Hitler's army or the Hitler Youth before possibly opposing the ideals of the regime due to the realization that Germany's defeat was imminent]

__**Source 2:**__ //The Trial Scene from "Sophie Scholl- The Final Days"//



The source is valuable because it depicts the White Rose's notion as well as suppression during Hitler's regime. In this scene, the Nazi soldiers seem blindly obedient but when looking closer it can be seen that many of them feel guilty and share the same opinion with Hans and Sophie Scholl. This can be seen through the way their pose and facial expression alters during the trial since at the end many of them look guilty and ashamed, especially when Sophie Scholl states that "the thoughts [they] have expressed and written are shared by many, they just don't dare to speak up" [2]. Even though Nazi soldiers were permitted to observe the trial, it is unknown whether their pose and facial expression actually altered in such a way. Nevertheless, the overall idea is justified since army members such as Stauffenberg and Haeften attempted to assassinate Hitler in the famous Bomb Plot of 1944 [3], showing that there were actually army members ashamed of Hitler. In terms of origin, the source is valuable as Breinersdorfer made use of primary sources such as recovered archives [4] and White Rose leaflets, hence the information of the source is accurate and reliable.

Nevertheless, the source also has limitations. As Rothemunde's purpose within the scene is greatly to demonstrate the suppression at the time and also the way in which many of the spectators are shaken by the Scholl's speeches and bravery, certain facts have been omitted at the end of the trial. [FOOTNOTE=For example, in the actual trial one of the soldiers criticized the mother for not having brought her children up correctly when both the mother and father intruded, which has been omitted in the trial scene of the movie. Another fact, which was not included in the movie was that one of the lawyers concluded "I can only say fiat justitia. Let justice be done" [5].] Rothemunde possibly omitted these happenings in order to put emphasis on the fact, that the majority of Germans were being suppressed and compelled to obey rather than sharing the same belief as Roland Freisler and other influential politicians.

[1] "The Third Reich: Politics and Propaganda", David Welch, 1993, p.62 -63

[2]"Sophie Scholl - The Final Days", directed by Marc Rothemunde, 2005

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_20_Plot

[4] http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0705g.asp

[5] "The White Rose: A Lesson in Dissent", Jacob G. Hornberger, 2008