# Franz Jägerstätter

> Austrian martyr and conscientious objector (1907–1943)

**Wikidata**: [Q45243](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45243)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Jägerstätter)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/franz-jagerstatter

## Summary
Franz Jägerstätter was an Austrian farmer and member of the Secular Franciscan Order who became a martyr and conscientious objector during World War II, refusing to serve in the German military and ultimately being executed for his beliefs.

## Biography
- Born: May 20, 1907
- Nationality: Austria
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Austrian martyr and conscientious objector
- Employer(s): Not specified as employer, but worked as a farmer
- Field(s): Not specified as professional field, though engaged in agriculture

## Contributions
No specific contributions or publications are mentioned in the source material. The provided information focuses on his identity as a martyr and conscientious objector rather than professional achievements.

## FAQs
- **What was Franz Jägerstätter's role in World War II?**  
  He refused to serve in the German military as a conscientious objector and was executed for his beliefs.

- **What religious affiliation did he have?**  
  He was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order.

- **How did he die?**  
  He was executed on August 9, 1943, for his refusal to serve in the military.

- **What was his occupation?**  
  He worked as a farmer.

## Why They Matter
Franz Jägerstätter's refusal to serve in the German military during World War II made him a martyr for conscientious objection. His story represents the moral conflict faced by individuals who opposed military service based on religious or ethical beliefs. His execution highlighted the tension between individual conscience and state demands during wartime, influencing later discussions about conscientious objection and human rights.

## Notable For
- Austrian martyr and conscientious objector during World War II
- Member of the Secular Franciscan Order
- Executed on August 9, 1943, for refusing military service
- Represented the moral conflict between individual conscience and state demands

## Body
### Early Life
Franz Jägerstätter was born on May 20, 1907, in Austria. He grew up as a farmer and later became a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, a Catholic religious order. The source material indicates his identity as an Austrian citizen from the Central European country.

### World War II and Conscientious Objection
During World War II, Jägerstätter faced the choice between serving in the German military or refusing based on his religious beliefs. He chose to remain a conscientious objector, which ultimately led to his execution. The source material identifies him as a martyr for this cause.

### Religious Affiliation
Jägerstätter was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, which was established in 1978 according to the source material. This religious affiliation played a significant role in his moral stance during the war.

### Execution
The source material confirms that Jägerstätter died on August 9, 1943. His execution is documented as part of his legacy as a martyr for conscientious objection.

### Legacy
The source material includes references to memorials and commemorations, such as a Gedenktafel (memorial plaque) and a Stolperstein (stumbling stone), indicating his lasting impact as a symbol of moral resistance during wartime. His story has been documented through various media, including photographs and online resources.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Stolperstein dedicated to Franz Jägerstätter
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
7. GCatholic.org
8. Ökumenisches Heiligenlexikon
9. Salzburgwiki
10. Freebase
11. Czech National Authority Database
12. LibraryThing
13. [Source](https://mix-n-match.toolforge.org/#/entry/63770604)