Several notable figures refused to take an oath of loyalty, particularly in the context of the Hitler Oath during Nazi Germany.
Refusal of the Hitler Oath
The Hitler Oath, also known as the Führereid (Führer's Oath), was an oath of loyalty and obedience sworn by the German armed forces and civil servants to Adolf Hitler personally, rather than to the constitution or the state itself. Introduced in 1934, after the death of President Paul von Hindenburg, this oath became a mandatory requirement for many. However, a number of individuals, driven by their conscience, religious beliefs, or moral convictions, courageously refused to take this oath, often facing severe repercussions for their defiance.
Here are some of the individuals who notably refused to take this specific oath of loyalty:
| Name | Background |
|---|---|
| Karl Barth | A highly influential Swiss Reformed theologian, who became a leading figure in the Confessing Church's resistance to Nazism. |
| Martin Gauger | A German lawyer and probationary judge who served as a state prosecutor in Wuppertal. He was dismissed from his position due to his refusal. |
| Franz Jägerstätter | An Austrian conscientious objector and devout Roman Catholic farmer. He was executed for his refusal to serve in the Wehrmacht during World War II, based on his religious and moral objections to the Nazi regime. |
| Josef Mayr-Nusser | An Italian Roman Catholic from Bozen (Bolzano) in South Tyrol. He refused the oath after being called up for duty in the Waffen-SS due to his deeply held religious convictions, and later died in transit to a concentration camp. |
These individuals represent a spectrum of backgrounds, united by their unwavering commitment to their principles in the face of immense pressure and danger. Their refusal highlights significant acts of resistance against an authoritarian regime.
For more detailed historical context regarding this specific oath, you can refer to the Hitler Oath on Wikipedia.
