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Marie VassiltchikovaRussian aristocrat
Date of Birth: 11.01.1917
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Upbringing
- Exile and Education
- Involvement with the Anti-Nazi Resistance
- Nursing Service and Evacuation
- Marriage and Later Life
- "Berlin Diary" and Legacy
Early Life and Upbringing
Maria Vasilichikovwas born into the aristocratic Vasilichikov family in the early days of the Russian Revolution. As the fourth child of Prince Illarion Sergeyevich Vasilichikov and Princess Lydia Leonidovna, she witnessed the turmoil that engulfed her homeland.
Exile and Education
In 1919, Maria's family fled Russia to Weimar Germany, France, and Lithuania. Her father had been an imperial official, and the Vasilichikovs had owned an estate in Lithuania before the revolution. Maria's education took place in these various countries.
Involvement with the Anti-Nazi Resistance
In 1940, Maria and her sister Tatiana moved to Berlin as Lithuanian citizens. They worked for the German Foreign Ministry, where they became acquainted with members of the German aristocracy who were secretly planning to overthrow Hitler. Although Maria was not directly involved in the July 20th assassination attempt, she had close connections to its participants, including Claus von Stauffenberg, Adam von Trott, and Gottfried von Bismarck.
Nursing Service and Evacuation
During the final months of the war, Maria served as a nurse in Vienna. As the Soviet army advanced, she was evacuated to Western Austria, where she remained until the end of the war.
Marriage and Later Life
In 1946, Maria married American officer Philip Harden, an architect. They lived in France and Spain before relocating to London after her husband's death in 1971.
"Berlin Diary" and Legacy
Maria's sole published work is her "Berlin Diary 1940-1945," a detailed account of her experiences in Berlin and her interactions with the Nazi resistance. The diary, which was written in English, provides invaluable insights into the activities of the conspirators and the evolution of German aristocratic views on the war. Maria's diary has been translated into numerous languages and has received widespread recognition for its historical value.
