The Failed September Coup

The planned arrest of Hitler unravels as the chance of war recedes and the Army’s conditional opposition proves inadequate.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Conspirators Assemble

A Risky Gathering Opposition in Secret Senior officers, civil servants and diplomats meet in a suburban house to discuss arresting Hitler. A Narrow Opportunity They believe the next day’s mobilisation order might provoke the Army to act.

The Arrest Plan

Fifty Men and a Signal A Practical Scheme The conspirators discuss a small armed force entering the Chancellery and leaving the first move against Hitler to others. Disagreement over Hitler They divide over whether to kill him or hold him for trial, revealing the moral and practical fractures within the group.

The Army Hesitates

The Missing Order Senior Officers Consulted The conspirators’ evidence reaches the Army leadership, but decisive action depends on the Commander-in-Chief. A Chance Slips Away Hitler’s mobilisation is postponed before the Army commits itself, leaving the plot without its expected trigger.

A Civilian Plan Remains

Six Men Without the Army The Plot Is Reassessed The conspirators recognise that they cannot remove Hitler without military support. Hartmann’s Proposal Hartmann proposes warning Chamberlain in hopes that firm resistance will revive the conditions for a coup.

A Defeat Delayed

Resistance Continues No Coup The settlement removes the immediate prospect of invasion and leaves the conspirators without the crisis they hoped would move the Army. A Future Struggle They disperse knowing the regime is stronger, while Hartmann returns to covert resistance rather than exile.

27 September 1938, near 10 p.m.

27 September 1938, late night

28 September 1938, morning

29 September 1938, afternoon

30 September 1938, after the agreement