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The Birth of Franz Jägerstätter
He was born in St Radegund which is in Upper Austria out of wedlock due to his father being killed in WWI -
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Doubt of Faith
Franz worked in the iron ore industry in Eisenerz ( Austria). There, he felt spiritually and religiously uprooted and went through a crisis which made him question his faith and the meaning of life. In 1930, he returned to his home village with a deepened belief in God. -
Marraige to Franziska
In 1936, Franz and Franziska got married. they had a honeymoon in France which made Franz feel slightly more connected to his faith -
The Anschluss
Franz was the only local citizen to vote for the annexation (seperation) of Austria and Germany -
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Active Service
Franz participated in active service during this time until his mayor intervened again which let him come home again. -
Military Service
During this time period, Franz was sworn into the military after he was called in for military service. He was allowed to return home briefly thanks to the mayor of his town. -
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Arrested
Franz was held in custody at the Linz in March and April and then transferred to Berlin-Tegel -
Denial of Military Services
Franz was called for military service and came to the induction service stating that he was refusing to fight, but would carry out non-violent services. He was not allowed to do this. -
Trial
Due to his denial to fight, during Franz's trial, he was condemned to death for sedition (speaking out against a nation) -
Execution
Franz was executed on this date. Before his execution, he wrote, "If I must write... with my hands in chains, I find that much better than if my will were in chains. Neither prison nor chains nor sentence of death can rob a man of the Faith and his free will.... People worry about the obligations of conscience as they concern my wife and children. But I cannot believe that, just because one has a wife and children, a man is free to offend God"