Georg Elser
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Johann Georg Elser (January 4, 1903, Hermaringen, Württemberg - April 9, 1945, Dachau concentration camp), was a conspirator against National Socialism. On November 8 1939, he attempted an assassination of Adolf Hitler on the occasion of the annual commemoration speech dedicated to the failed Beer Hall Putsch of November 9 1923.
Elser, a carpenter and worker in factories and quarries, had connections to several socialist and communist organisations, but did not act for them nor with their knowledge or support. He knew that the conditions for regular people were getting worse despite the Nazi Propaganda telling stories about growing wealth. Also, he knew from his work place that preparations for a war were being made, and that it would be inevitable unless Hitler himself were killed.
Taking advantage of the tools and materials he had access to, he built and carefully planted a bomb. It took one year of preparation, including a visit to the annual Nazi meeting the year before the attempt. He worked secretly for more than 30 nights inside the beer hall, hollowing the pillar near Hitler's traditional position to place a bomb with a self-made time ignition mechanism. The mechanism worked accurately and the explosion happened at 21:20. The ceiling came down and killed eight of Hitler's "old comrades" - but not Hitler himself, who had left early to catch a train back to Berlin, because fog over Berlin prevented an airplane flight. All other high-ranking Nazis left with him.
Elser tried to escape to Switzerland, but the police detained him for other reasons before the bombing was known.
Tragically, his heroic attempt did not only fail, but backfired. Due to Hitler's lucky escape, it was widely perceived that Vorsehung (providence) was with Hitler, and his support among Germans grew stronger.
Elser was kept as a prisoner during the war, and eventually died at Dachau.