Background
Von Harnack was born on 15 July 1888 in Marburg, the son of a prominent theologian and church historian, Adolf von Harnack.
Von Harnack was born on 15 July 1888 in Marburg, the son of a prominent theologian and church historian, Adolf von Harnack.
After World War I, he entered the SPD and held various positions in the Prussian civil service, including that of Regierungspräsident in Merseburg.
In 1933 he was dismissed from his post following the Nazi purge of the civil administration. After joining the Resistance, he was arrested and imprisoned on 20 July 1944 following the failure of the conspiracy.
On 1 February 1945 von Harnack was sentenced to death by the People’s Court and hanged on 3 March.