"You know, Sophie, Jesus."
Sophie and Hans Scholl grew up in an somewhat unorthodox German family. Their family was religious, but had an ardent
love for discussion; they were free growing up to form and express even
unpopular opinions. They also grew up with a firm sense of responsibility
for their fellowman, and a deep commitment to a faith that could see them
through death. Brilliant young people, they each headed eventually for the
University of Munich, Hans first to Medical School [interrupted by a stint
in the German armed forces] and Sophie, later, still undecided in her
major, but having some experience in education, with a love for
philosophy, music and the humanities. Both had a keen sense of politics:
not only national politics but also of the politics of human
understanding. Even as young people they wrote extensively, keeping
journals and diaries, and they were exposed to many scholars, artists and
musicians of the day, who despite the darkening skies of the Third Reich,
held to their views and art, even when banned or censored.
As Hitler took office and consolidated the power of the presidency and
the chancellory, brisk winds blew through the academic institutions of the
time. University of Munich was one of the premier universities of Germany
and it was no exception. In 1933 many Jewish scholars and professors were
removed from their positions for having what was considered by the Reich
to be 'degenerate' ideas, particularly Bolshevism. Bolshevism 
was the name
given to the early formations of the Communist party and ideals; it was
more idealist. While it was a hated philosophy among the National
Socialists (see Nazis)the term was
often misapplied and became a 'catch-all' phrase to indicate any political
or national group that was the object of prejudice. The Jews were among
those who were consistently referred to by Hitler and Goebbels as
Bolsheviks, regardless of their stance. It was into this
politically-charged arena that Sophie and Hans Scholl entered their
University years.
The Bishop, Euthanasia & a First Pamphlet
retarded and mentally 'infirm' pharmacologically. It was in line with his
Eugenics plan: Hitler as most of the Nazi hierarchy felt that the
mentally-ill and developmentally delayed would contribute negatively to
the 'bloodlines' of Europe. He also felt they were a burden on the state
and should therefore be 'euthanized'.
Sophie and her family were horrified. She listened attentively to the Bishop's sermon, decrying the cruelty of such action; and the inhumane attitudes of the regime. Impressed deeply, she got permission to reprint the sermon in pamphlet form. She and other students handed out the pamphlet at the U of Munich, in opposition to the laws of the time. The Scholls and others were deeply influence by a faculty member with similar outrage to Hitler's policies. The Scholls, Chris Probst, and Professor Haber became the core of a non-violent resistance group on campus, comprised entirely of Germans. This Group was called, The White Rose (weisserose)2, named after a Spanish novel (Rosa Blanco). The Group coordinated efforts on Campus for Civil Rights and Opposition to Nazi policies. Among their efforts on campus were weekly discussion groups, painting 'freedom' on brick walls at the entrance into campus*, and distributing leaflets opposing the Reich on moral and political grounds, encouraging students to think for themselves.
The Jews were also of central concern to the group. Many try to dismiss German domestic responsibility in the Genocide of the Jews of Europe, claiming they did not know it was happening. Several of the Scholls' pamphlets describe the mass executions and deportations to Death Camps. It is clear that the information was available, though forbidden by Law. Free Speech was suspended in the Reich because it was felt to dampen the War Effort. Knowing the cost, (they made it clear in their writings) they continued their efforts, hoping to influence German opinion and bravery against the Nazi Regime. The reason the distribution of pamphlets was considered so treasonous is expressed below:
"Since Hitler's Moods were said to be extraordinarily dependent on the sympathy of the masses, a reversal of feeling among the populace would have been a weapon of considerable force against him, one which would threaten his own self-confidence. FOR THESE REASONS the leaflets of the White Rose, were held by the highest levels of the party to constitute one of the greatest politcal "crimes" against the 3rd Reich". p.96 3
Good German Citizens
The Scholls, Probst and the others were not Jewish, Communist or violent dissenters. They were all German citizens, and the Scholls had been leaders in the Nazi Youth Party (hitlerjugend). He had been a flagbearer at a Party Rally in Nuremberg, and loved the Great German philosopher.
Additionally, Hans had enlisted in the German Army: he fought for Germany. One day, however, he
saw a young Jewish woman, under forced labor, digging a trench. The whole
of what the Regime was doing struck his heart, he realized but for the
grace of God, he could have been the one there, or his sister. He reached
down to give her a flower and some food but she resisted, unappreciative
of Nazi hospitality. He knew she was destined for one of the Killing
Centers, or Concentration Camps, to an almost certain death. This event so
struck his heart, that when he returned to Medical School, he devoted his
life to his views and faith.
Sophie also had been a leader of a Nazi Youth Group. It is important to understand that they loved the Germany that was their Motherland: they wished only good for their countrymen. They had both received accolades and awards for their efforts as stellar German Citizens: these were not rebels, or delinquents with a chip on their shoulder, they were fine young people, pursuing an academic degree; who decided that even if their life was shorter than it might be it was still better to stand for the truth.
Imprisonment, Martyrdom & Death
On one of their last days before imprisonment, Hans & Sophie mimeographed several hundred more pamphlets. They knew that distribution was becoming more and more dangerous. In the early morning hours before classes began, the bulk of the leaflets were passed out, and in a symbolic gesture, Hans dropped many from a balcony, which fell like the petals of the White Rose. A building superintendent, Jakob Schmied, betrayed them: in that
day, every one was
an informer. Before 48 hours was over, the members of the White Rose had
been arrested and charged with Treason: punishable by death. They were
imprisoned at Stadelheim Prison and continued in prayer, knowing
they were facing their death in their young 20s. On her way to sentencing
before the "Peoples' Court" and a judge known for his intolerance,
Sophie's Mother turned to her and said, "You Know, Sophie, Jesus". Sophie
nodded in agreement. Sophie, Chris & Hans were sentenced to death by
guillotine. Hitler had brought it back as a means of execution because he
found it threatening and foreboding and felt it would be a crime
deterrent. Shortly after sentencing, in an unjust trial, with a
court-appointed Nazi attorney, the young people of the White Rose were
executed. The sentencing was brief, Dr. Freisler, presiding. See Table I for Results of Trial
"The People's Court has found but one just punishment: Death." x
The two young people with a few others were executed following their February 18, 1943 arrest. Their great crime of making the truth known resulted in a cruel and unjust death. Hans once wrote a significant passage that sums up the motivation and heart of the young Scholls:
I lay no claim to age and experience but above and beyond the flickering blaze of my youthful soul, I sometimes detect the eternal breath of Something Infinitely Great and Serene. God. Fate. ..."and is most clearly expressed by the quote by Rilke that Hans kept in his pocket with a rosebud,
"He that holds his peace is wise, but he that speaks, speaks not for his own time."*
1 Mrs. Scholl, at Sophie's imprisonment & death
2Note: A semblance of the group continues today, and continues to fight worldwide injustices,
civil rights violations and inhumane policies. Their website may be found at www.whiterose.org.(check)
*NOTE: When the Scholls were arrested, the jailer was told to keep a few cells open. "Who is coming today?" he asked. "The Painters". was the reply.
3Scholl, Hans & Sophie, The Diaries of the White Rose
4Rilke, M. R. " Aufzeichnungen des Malte Laurids Briggess"