The sixth leaflet issued by the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance group was authored by Kurt Huber, a university professor in Munich. This document, which called for the end of National Socialism, marked a definitive break from his academic life at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, where he had served as a teacher of psychology and music since 1926.
Academic Career and Health Challenges
Born in 1893 in Chur, Switzerland, Huber spent his youth in Stuttgart and later Munich. A severe bout of diphtheria during childhood resulted in a tracheotomy, leaving him with a persistent limp and speech difficulties. Despite these physical impairments, he pursued an rigorous education at the Eberhard-Ludwigs-Gymnasium and eventually the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. He earned a doctorate in philosophy and established a reputation as a popular lecturer who refused to incorporate Nazi ideology into his curriculum.
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Huber became associated with the White Rose movement through his students, Hans Scholl and Alexander Schmorell. In January 1943, he assisted in editing the fifth leaflet produced by the group. Following the publication of his sixth leaflet, tensions emerged regarding the content, specifically concerning the group's stance on the military. By 27 February 1943, the Gestapo arrested Huber. Following his detention, the university stripped him of his position and academic credentials.
Trial and Execution
On 19 April 1943, Huber appeared before the People's Court. Chief Justice Roland Freisler led a summary proceeding that resulted in a death sentence for insurrection. On 13 July 1943, Huber was executed by guillotine at Munich Prison. The proceedings were briefly delayed by the presence of SS officers who had arrived to observe the method of execution. His remains are buried at the Munich Waldfriedhof.
Posthumous Recognition
While imprisoned, Huber completed a biography of Gottfried Leibniz, which was later published in 1951. After the war, his widow, Clara Huber, compiled a memorial volume featuring contributions from his peers, including an emotional letter from the composer Carl Orff. Today, the square situated opposite the main building of his former university is named Professor Huber Platz in his honor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1893, Chur
- Died: 13 July 1943, Munich
- Academic Degree: Doktor Nauk in Philosophy
- Primary Employer: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Resistance Group: White Rose
- Final Resting Place: Munich Waldfriedhof
Questions readers ask
What specific role did Huber play in the White Rose?
He served as a key contributor and editor, specifically writing the group's sixth anti-Nazi leaflet.
Did Carl Orff assist Huber after his arrest?
Huber's wife, Clara, approached Orff for help, but he feared for his own safety and did not intervene, though he later dedicated his work Die Bernauerin to Huber's memory.
Achievements
- Held posts at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Educated at Eberhard-Ludwigs-Gymnasium and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
