Hans and Sophie Scholl
and the White Rose
Hans and Sophie Scholl were siblings who are part of a group called the White Rose. They were in their 20's when they and some others that made up the White Rose were killed. Hans and Sophie both attended the University of Munich, and one of Sophie's most notable quotes is "Stand up for what you believe in even if you are standing alone"
Early Life
This is the town where Hans was born.
Hans Scholl was born in 1918, in Crailsheim.
The Scholl family lived in Forchtenburg until 1930.
His sister, Sophie, was born in Forchtenburg in 1922.
The family then moved to Ludwigsburg, and lived there from 1930-1932.
This is where Hans and Sophie lived in Ludwigsburg.
The Scholls then moved to Ulm, where they lived until 1944.
This is Hans and Sophie's home when they lived in Ulm. There is now a commemorative stele in front of the building.
What did Hans and Sophie do?
Hans and Sophie Scholl were best known for writing and distributing leaflets that were calling for the Germans to stop the genocide and injustice of the Jews. The siblings published these leaflets, along with some others, saying that they were the White Rose. Hans and Sophie were caught distributing these leaflets, and they were beheaded by guillotine.
Sept. 22, 1918
Hans Scholl was born in Crailsheim
May 9, 1922
Sophie Scholl was born
Jan,1933
The Nazis come into power, Hans and Sophie Scholl along with some of their other sibling join Hitler Youth
Dec 13,1937
Hans Scholl is arrested by the Gestapo for numerous counts, the most serious of them was that of homosexual activity. This arrest helped Sophie start turning against the Nazis.
Sept. 1,1939
Hitler invades Poland, and the older Scholl brothers go to fight in the war. Hans finishes his service, and goes to study at the University of Munich.
May, 1942
Sophie Scholl finishes her service and goes to study with her brother at the University of Munich.
June, 1942
The first leaflets for the White Rose were printed out, and when Sophie learned of Hans' involvement, she demanded to be a member of the White Rose as well.
Feb. 18, 1943
The White Rose was doing well, and it gained confidence. The members started distributing leaflets in person, and on this day, Sophie pushed a stack of the leaflets off a railing and into a central hall. There, a janitor, who was a supporter of the Nazis, saw this and had Sophie and Hans arrested by the Gestapo. Hans had the 7th edition of the leaflets, which then led to another member's arrest, Christoph Probst.
Feb. 22, 1943
Hans, Sophie, and Christoph were sentenced to death for treason. They were beheaded by a guillotine. Hans was 24, Christoph 23, and Sophie 21.
Why did Hans and Sophie Resist the Nazis?
Hans and Sophie Scholl resisted the Nazis because they were influenced by their parents, who opposed the Nazi's ways, and Carl Muth, a Catholic magazine founder, who saw the persecution of the Jews as "sinful and anti-Christian."
Why Should we Remember Hans and Sophie?
Hans and Sophie knew the risks of joining the White Rose, but they didn't care, and joined because they thought what the White Rose was doing was right. Hans and Sophie both saw what the Nazis were doing was wrong, and even though not many people were fighting, they gathered up the strength to try and make things right. They were killed for fighting for what they believed was right, and that is one of the most courageous things to do.
Why Should Hans and Sophie Scholl be Included in the Museum?
Hans and Sophie Scholl were both brave, and deserve to be put in the museum because they proved that not all Germans were happy with what Hitler was doing, they inspired many Germans to take action against the Nazis with their leaflets, and they both fought for what they believed until the very end.
Interesting Facts
Hans was studying medicine in the University of Munich
Sophie was a Kindergarten teacher
Sophie was studying Biology in the University of Munich
Sophie's long term boyfriend married Sophie's sister after she was executed
