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Carl Friedrich Goerdeler Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Carl Friedrich Goerdeler: German Resistance and Opposition to Nazism

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Carl Friedrich Goerdeler: German Resistance and Opposition to Nazism Study Guide

Early Life and Public Service (Pre-1933)

Carl Friedrich Goerdeler's birth occurred in 1900 in Munich, to a family engaged in academia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical records indicate Carl Friedrich Goerdeler was born in 1884 in Schneidemühl, not Munich, and his family background was rooted in Prussian civil service, not academia.

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Goerdeler pursued studies in law and economics at the University of Berlin, commencing his civil service career in 1908.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler studied economics and law at the University of Tübingen, not Berlin, and initiated his civil service career in 1911, not 1908.

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During World War I, Goerdeler served as a high-ranking officer on the Western Front and advocated for peace negotiations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler's World War I service was as a junior officer on the Eastern Front, and his post-war activities included advocating for territorial claims, not immediate peace negotiations.

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Following World War I, Goerdeler initially aligned with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) due to his opposition to the Treaty of Versailles.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler joined the ultraconservative German National People's Party (DNVP) after World War I, reflecting his strong opposition to the Treaty of Versailles.

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Goerdeler held mayoral positions in both Königsberg and Leipzig during the Weimar Republic.

Answer: True

Explanation: Goerdeler served as the mayor of Königsberg from 1922 and subsequently as the mayor of Leipzig from 1930 to 1937, during the Weimar era.

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In which city was Carl Friedrich Goerdeler born, and what was his family's background?

Answer: Schneidemühl; family of Prussian civil servants

Explanation: Carl Friedrich Goerdeler was born in Schneidemühl, and his family was deeply rooted in the tradition of Prussian civil service.

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Which two major German cities did Carl Friedrich Goerdeler serve as mayor?

Answer: Königsberg and Leipzig

Explanation: Goerdeler held significant mayoral positions in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad) and later in Leipzig during the Weimar Republic.

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Opposition and Resistance Planning (1938-1944)

After relinquishing public office, Goerdeler utilized his affiliation with Robert Bosch GmbH to facilitate his anti-Nazi activities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following his resignation, Goerdeler leveraged his position at Robert Bosch GmbH as a cover for his clandestine anti-Nazi efforts and diplomatic outreach.

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Goerdeler advocated for Germany to relinquish all territorial claims, including the Sudetenland and Polish Corridor.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler's foreign policy proposals included retaining certain territories, such as the Sudetenland and the Polish Corridor, while seeking international support for a revised geopolitical order.

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Goerdeler successfully persuaded many high-ranking military leaders to actively oppose Hitler before 1944.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Goerdeler actively engaged with senior military figures to garner support for opposition, he often encountered hesitation and a reluctance to commit to decisive action against Hitler.

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Goerdeler viewed the Munich Agreement of 1938 as a positive development that strengthened Germany's position.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler expressed profound disappointment with the Munich Agreement, viewing it as a missed opportunity to remove Hitler from power and emboldening the regime.

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Goerdeler provided the British government with intelligence, including warnings about Hitler's plans concerning Czechoslovakia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Goerdeler communicated intelligence to the British, notably including warnings regarding Hitler's intentions towards Czechoslovakia, influencing foreign policy perceptions.

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In 1939, Goerdeler proposed peace terms that included Germany retaining all territories acquired before 1914.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler's 1939 peace proposals stipulated the retention of territories acquired before 1918, specifically mentioning pre-1918 Polish territories, Austria, and the Sudetenland, not all territories acquired before 1914.

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A planned putsch involving Goerdeler in November 1939 failed because key military leaders withdrew their support.

Answer: True

Explanation: The planned coup in November 1939, in which Goerdeler was involved, was aborted when crucial military figures, such as Field Marshal von Brauchitsch and General Halder, withdrew their backing.

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Goerdeler believed Field Marshal Erwin Rommel would be a suitable leader for a post-Hitler government.

Answer: True

Explanation: Goerdeler considered Field Marshal Erwin Rommel a potential candidate for a leading role in a post-Nazi government and explored his willingness to participate.

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Goerdeler welcomed the Atlantic Charter's call for German disarmament, seeing it as essential for peace.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler expressed disappointment with the Atlantic Charter's demand for German disarmament, believing it would impede resistance efforts and was unacceptable.

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Goerdeler demanded the return of the South Tyrol region from Italy in his post-war plans.

Answer: True

Explanation: Among his proposed territorial adjustments for a post-Nazi Germany, Goerdeler included the annexation of the South Tyrol region from Italy.

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After leaving his mayoral position, how did Goerdeler contribute to the German resistance?

Answer: By using his position at Robert Bosch GmbH as a cover for anti-Nazi activities and foreign diplomacy.

Explanation: Following his departure from public office, Goerdeler engaged in resistance activities, utilizing his role at Robert Bosch GmbH to conceal his anti-Nazi efforts and conduct diplomatic overtures abroad.

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What was Goerdeler's foreign policy stance regarding Germany's territorial claims in the late 1930s?

Answer: He advocated for Germany to retain the Sudetenland and Polish Corridor while seeking international support.

Explanation: In his foreign policy considerations, Goerdeler supported the retention of territories such as the Sudetenland and the Polish Corridor, seeking international consensus for these claims within a post-Nazi framework.

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Why was Goerdeler deeply disappointed by the Munich Agreement of 1938?

Answer: He believed it was a missed opportunity to overthrow Hitler.

Explanation: Goerdeler viewed the Munich Agreement with profound disappointment, considering it a lost chance to depose Hitler and believing it would ultimately embolden the regime.

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Which of the following was NOT among the territorial demands Goerdeler made for a post-Nazi Germany?

Answer: The return of Alsace-Lorraine

Explanation: Goerdeler's territorial proposals included the Sudetenland, the Polish Corridor, and former German colonies, but not the return of Alsace-Lorraine.

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What was Goerdeler's primary concern regarding the Atlantic Charter in 1941?

Answer: Its demand for German disarmament, which he felt would hinder resistance efforts.

Explanation: Goerdeler expressed significant concern over the Atlantic Charter's stipulation for German disarmament, believing it would complicate the efforts of the resistance movement against the Nazi regime.

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What role did Goerdeler see for Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in a post-Hitler government?

Answer: Goerdeler viewed Rommel as an ideal candidate for a leading role.

Explanation: Goerdeler identified Field Marshal Erwin Rommel as a potentially suitable figure for a significant leadership position within the envisioned post-Hitler government.

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What was Goerdeler's proposed peace settlement in October 1939 regarding Poland and Czechoslovakia?

Answer: Germany retaining pre-1918 Polish territories while restoring independence to Poland and Czechoslovakia.

Explanation: In October 1939, Goerdeler's proposed peace terms included Germany retaining territories formerly belonging to Poland before 1918, while simultaneously restoring the independence of Poland and Czechoslovakia.

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The 20 July Plot and Consequences

Carl Friedrich Goerdeler occupied a pivotal role within the German resistance movement, designated to assume the chancellorship of a provisional government following the anticipated overthrow of Adolf Hitler.

Answer: True

Explanation: Goerdeler was indeed a central figure in the German resistance, identified as the prospective Chancellor for a post-Hitler administration.

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Goerdeler was a minor participant in the 20 July 1944 plot, primarily providing logistical support.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler was a central figure in the 20 July plot, designated to serve as Chancellor in the planned post-Hitler government, not a minor participant.

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If the 20 July plot had succeeded, Wilhelm Leuschner was planned to be the Chancellor, not Goerdeler.

Answer: False

Explanation: The plans for the post-plot government designated Carl Friedrich Goerdeler as Chancellor, with Wilhelm Leuschner slated for the position of Vice-Chancellor.

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Goerdeler was captured shortly after the failure of the 20 July plot and executed in 1945.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the unsuccessful 20 July plot, Goerdeler was apprehended in August 1944 and subsequently executed in February 1945.

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Helene Schwärzel was a Gestapo informant who denounced Goerdeler, leading to his arrest.

Answer: True

Explanation: Helene Schwärzel's denunciation of Goerdeler to the Gestapo was instrumental in his capture following the failed 20 July plot.

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Goerdeler and Claus von Stauffenberg shared a close working relationship and mutual respect within the resistance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The relationship between Goerdeler and Stauffenberg was characterized by strain and mutual disagreement, despite their shared objective within the resistance movement.

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What was Carl Friedrich Goerdeler's primary role and planned position within the German resistance movement?

Answer: The designated Chancellor of a provisional government intended to replace Hitler.

Explanation: Carl Friedrich Goerdeler was designated to assume the role of Chancellor in the provisional government that the German resistance planned to establish after the successful overthrow of Adolf Hitler.

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What was Goerdeler's relationship with Claus von Stauffenberg within the resistance?

Answer: They had a strained relationship marked by mutual dislike.

Explanation: Despite their shared involvement in the resistance, Goerdeler and Claus von Stauffenberg maintained a relationship characterized by significant strain and personal animosity.

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Who denounced Goerdeler to the Gestapo, leading to his capture after the 20 July plot?

Answer: Helene Schwärzel

Explanation: Helene Schwärzel's denunciation of Goerdeler to the Gestapo was the direct cause of his apprehension following the failed 20 July plot.

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What was the outcome for Goerdeler after the failure of the 20 July 1944 plot?

Answer: He was captured, sentenced to death, and executed.

Explanation: Following the unsuccessful 20 July plot, Goerdeler was apprehended, subjected to trial by the People's Court, and ultimately executed.

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Political and Ideological Stance

Goerdeler envisioned a post-Hitler government led by a democratically elected president, not a monarchy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler's plans favored the restoration of the monarchy, envisioning a constitutional monarchy with a strong executive, rather than a republic led by an elected president.

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Goerdeler's proposed post-war constitution favored a strong, centralized government, unlike the Kreisau Circle's decentralized vision.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler's constitutional proposals included elements of decentralized governance, contrasting with the statement that they favored a strong, centralized government. His vision also differed from the Kreisau Circle's more socialist leanings.

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Goerdeler viewed Communism and National Socialism as fundamentally different ideologies.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler considered Communism and National Socialism to be fundamentally similar ideologies, strongly opposing both.

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What type of government did Goerdeler envision for Germany after the fall of Hitler?

Answer: A restoration of the monarchy, possibly a constitutional one.

Explanation: Goerdeler's plans for a post-Nazi Germany included the restoration of the monarchy, envisioning a constitutional system where the monarch would reign but not govern.

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What was Goerdeler's attitude towards Communism?

Answer: He viewed it as fundamentally similar to National Socialism and opposed it.

Explanation: Goerdeler held a strongly anti-communist stance, perceiving Communism and National Socialism as ideologically akin and opposing both systems.

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How did Goerdeler's proposed post-war constitution differ from the Kreisau Circle's ideas?

Answer: Goerdeler supported a constitutional monarchy, while the Kreisau Circle leaned towards more socialist principles.

Explanation: Goerdeler's constitutional vision centered on a constitutional monarchy and laissez-faire capitalism, contrasting with the Kreisau Circle's inclination towards more socialist principles.

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Historical Interpretation and Legacy

Historians generally agree that Goerdeler held consistently anti-Semitic views throughout his life.

Answer: False

Explanation: The historical consensus on Goerdeler's views regarding the 'Jewish Question' is debated; while he opposed the Holocaust, some scholars argue for the presence of anti-Semitic elements in his proposals.

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During his interrogation, Goerdeler refused to cooperate with the Gestapo, protecting his co-conspirators.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to refusing cooperation, Goerdeler collaborated with the Gestapo during his interrogation, providing names that led to numerous arrests.

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Goerdeler's final written words expressed defiance and a belief in the righteousness of his cause.

Answer: False

Explanation: Goerdeler's final writings focused more on spiritual reflection and seeking penance for the German people, rather than overt defiance or a declaration of the righteousness of his cause.

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Which of the following best describes Goerdeler's actions and attitude during his interrogation and imprisonment after the failed 20 July plot?

Answer: He cooperated with the Gestapo, providing names of co-conspirators.

Explanation: During his interrogation and subsequent imprisonment, Goerdeler cooperated with the Gestapo, divulging names of co-conspirators which resulted in numerous arrests.

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Which of the following best describes the historical debate surrounding Goerdeler's views on the 'Jewish Question'?

Answer: His views are debated, with some seeing anti-Semitic elements despite opposition to mass murder.

Explanation: The historical interpretation of Goerdeler's stance on the 'Jewish Question' is complex and contested; while he opposed the genocidal policies of the Holocaust, evidence suggests some anti-Semitic sentiments persisted in his proposals.

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