The leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, created many enemies during his reign of terror. Though many were too frightened of the consequences of a failed attempt to kill him, many more plotted the feat. One such historical fact that has become more popular over the past two years is the July 20 plot to assassinate Hitler. Some individuals have even created the July 20 Plot trivia to help others learn more about this admirable incident. In fact, the July 20 Plot quiz has so many facts about this incident that it might just remind you of a history book!

One particular fact that you might find in the July 20 Plot trivia is that a movie has been made regarding the incident. Valkyrie starred Tom Cruise, who played the role of Stauffenberg, and was released in 2008. Several other films were also made to document the incident; however, this film gained much notoriety simply because Tom Cruise, a very well known and accomplished actor, played the leading role. The movie took its name from the code name of the actual operation, which was called Operation Valkyrie.

The operation commenced on July 20^th, 1944. However, there were two other dates that very well could have been more effective. July 11^th was Stauffenberg’s first planned attempt, but Himler wasn’t in the room. Stauffenberg’s coconspirators had wanted Hitler, Himler and Goring to all be wiped out at once in order for their plan to run smoothly. For this reason, the operation was aborted on that date. The second planned attempt was on July 15^th and was also aborted. On this occasion, it was due to Hitler leaving the room at the last minute. Obviously, the 15^th would have proved to be unsuccessful, but the 11^th may have just been the day that everything would have fallen into place; the world will never know.

Though many attempts were made upon Hitler’s life, Operation Valkyrie, though a failed attempt, was likely the closest that anyone had ever come to being successful. The entire operation was planned carefully by those involved in the plot. The only problem was that only one of the two bombs that had been designed specifically for the attempt had actually been detonated. After careful review and several recreations by numerous individuals, it was determined that, had the second bomb been detonated as well, Hitler would have most definitely been killed. Of course, the fact that the briefcase which held the bomb was moved also had a great deal to do with the unsuccessful attempt.

Today, most of us take for granted the fact that we can pick up a newspaper, magazine, book or periodical at nearly any store and easily read it. Well, we’ve come a long way. Years ago, books and periodicals were completely handwritten. Imagine the time it would take an individual to create one single book, let alone mass quantities of it! Ah, yes, you would hear of the book, but you wouldn’t be able to get your hands on a copy for years…that is, unless of course you were one of the elite and extremely wealthy. Even then, you would likely still have to wait nearly a year for a copy to be produced.

So, how do you think it affected society and the world in general when someone finally invented a way to mass produce content? Well, let’s just say that one man’s contribution likely forged the beginnings of modern day publishing, thus giving our ancestors a reason to want to learn how to read and actually relishing the chance to own a piece of literary history.

The full name of Johannes Gutenberg was actually Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg. Although his actual birth date is unknown, it is assumed that he was born sometime in the year of 1398 in Mainz, Germany. He was the son of Friele Gensfleisch zur Laden and Else Wyrich (who was his father’s second wife).

One of the pivotal figures credited with having a hand in the European Renaissance was Johannes Gutenberg. This German born printer and goldsmith changed the publishing world forever with the invention and use of two major publishing needs; moveable type and the mechanical printing press. In fact, this man and the work that he committed himself to nearly 570 years ago is, astonishingly, still being honored today! Most recently, he was honored by Time-Life Magazine in 1997 and the A&E Network in 1999.)

The printing press was invented by Gutenberg at some point during the years of 1439 – 1449, though his ideas of the press and moveable type were reportedly revealed as early as 1440. By the year 1450, the printing press was up and running and word traveled fast. Gutenberg ended up partnering with Johann Fust. The partnership ended in a courtroom and the result left Gutenberg nearly bankrupt and his age left little time to replace what had been lost.

Then, 10 years later and 3 years prior to his death, Gutenberg’s contributions were recognized by Archbishop von Nassau. This earned Gutenberg the title of Hofmann and included grain, wine, a special court outfit and a generous stipend. Finally, he had earned a portion of the recognition he so deserved.

To find out more about Johannes Gutenberg or play Johannes Gutenberg trivia, the Johannes Gutenberg quiz or Johannes Gutenberg quizzes, please visit MastersOfTrivia.com.