# Friedrich-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg

> German diplomat who served as the last German ambassador to the Soviet Union before Operation Barbarossa

**Wikidata**: [Q204267](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q204267)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich-Werner_Graf_von_der_Schulenburg)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/friedrich-werner-graf-von-der-schulenburg

## Summary

Friedrich-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg was born on November 20, 1875, in Kemberg[1][2][3]. He was educated at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and pursued a career as a diplomat and resistance fighter[3], working specifically in the field of diplomacy[4]. Over the course of his life, he received the Iron Cross 2nd Class and the Order of the German Eagle. He died on November 10, 1944, at Plötzensee Prison[1][2].

## Summary
Friedrich-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg was a German diplomat who served as the last German ambassador to the Soviet Union before Operation Barbarossa. He was executed in 1944 for his involvement in the 20 July plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

## Biography
- Born: 20 November 1875
- Nationality: German
- Education: University of Göttingen (implied from affiliation)
- Known for: Last German ambassador to the Soviet Union before Operation Barbarossa
- Employer(s): German Foreign Office
- Field(s): Diplomacy

## Contributions
Friedrich-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg served as the German ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1934 until 1941, when diplomatic relations were severed following the German invasion of the Soviet Union. During his tenure, he attempted to maintain diplomatic channels and prevent war between Germany and the Soviet Union. He was also involved in the 20 July plot against Hitler in 1944, for which he was executed.

## FAQs
**What was Friedrich-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg's role in German-Soviet relations?**
He served as the German ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1934 to 1941, working to maintain diplomatic relations between the two countries during a period of increasing tension.

**Why was Friedrich-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg executed?**
He was executed on 10 November 1944 for his involvement in the 20 July plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1944.

**What was Friedrich-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg's educational background?**
He was educated at the University of Göttingen, one of Germany's most prestigious universities.

## Why They Matter
Friedrich-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg played a significant role in German-Soviet diplomacy during a critical period leading up to World War II. As ambassador, he witnessed and participated in the complex diplomatic maneuvers between Germany and the Soviet Union, including the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. His opposition to Hitler and participation in the 20 July plot demonstrates his moral courage and willingness to risk his life to oppose the Nazi regime, making him an important figure in the German resistance movement.

## Notable For
- Last German ambassador to the Soviet Union before Operation Barbarossa
- Recipient of the Order of the German Eagle
- Executed for his role in the 20 July plot against Hitler
- Served as ambassador during the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
- Member of the German resistance to Nazism

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Friedrich-Werner Erdmann Matthias Johann Bernhard Erich Graf von der Schulenburg was born on 20 November 1875 into the German nobility. He received his education at the University of Göttingen, one of Germany's most prestigious institutions of higher learning, where he likely studied law and political science in preparation for his diplomatic career.

### Diplomatic Career
Von der Schulenburg's diplomatic career spanned several decades and included postings in various countries. His most significant position was as the German ambassador to the Soviet Union, a role he held from 1934 until 1941. During this period, he witnessed and participated in the complex diplomatic relationship between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, including the negotiations that led to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in August 1939.

As ambassador, von der Schulenburg worked to maintain diplomatic channels between the two countries even as tensions increased. He was known for his attempts to prevent war between Germany and the Soviet Union, though these efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful with the launch of Operation Barbarossa in June 1941.

### Resistance Activities
Despite his position as a high-ranking diplomat in the Nazi regime, von der Schulenburg became increasingly opposed to Hitler's policies. He joined the German resistance movement and participated in the 20 July plot of 1944, an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler. This involvement demonstrated his moral courage and willingness to risk everything to oppose the Nazi regime.

### Execution and Legacy
Following the failure of the 20 July plot, von der Schulenburg was arrested and tried by the Nazi authorities. He was executed on 10 November 1944, along with other conspirators. His execution came just months before the end of World War II in Europe.

Von der Schulenburg's legacy is complex. As a diplomat, he represented Germany during a crucial period in European history. As a resistance fighter, he demonstrated that even those within the Nazi system could recognize its evil and work to oppose it. His story represents the moral dilemmas faced by many Germans during the Nazi era and the difficult choices some made to resist the regime.

### Recognition
During his lifetime, von der Schulenburg received the Order of the German Eagle, an award given to prominent foreigners by Nazi Germany. This award, while given by the Nazi regime, does not diminish his later role in the resistance movement.

### Historical Context
Von der Schulenburg's career coincided with one of the most tumultuous periods in European history, including World War I, the Weimar Republic, the rise of Nazism, and World War II. His experiences as a diplomat during this period provide valuable insights into the diplomatic history of the era, particularly regarding German-Soviet relations in the years leading up to World War II.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. BnF authorities
3. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. Munzinger Personen
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013