The Munich Putsch

Hitler’s first attempt to take power

November 1923

Aims of this lesson

By the end of this lesson you should• Understand why Hitler thought he could

take power by force in November 1923• Describe the events of the 8th and 9th

November 1923 and evaluate their importance

• Evaluate the effects of the Putsch and the subsequent trial on the fortunes of the Nazi Party

The background to the Putsch

• 1923 – the Nazi Party was unheard of in most of Germany but well known in Bavaria and Munich in particular.

• Hitler and Ludendorf were looking for an opportunity to take over the Bavarian government and then to march on Berlin

• They expected to get support from Gustav Von Kahr – the Minister-President of Bavaria

The role of Ludendorf

• Erich Von Ludendorf ha been the Chief of Staff in World War One – well known in Germany

• Hitler wanted to use him so that he could get the support of the army for Hitler’s planned Putsch

• The French occupation of the Ruhr and the economic crisis gave them the opportunity to attempt to take power

8th November 1923

• Kahr was addressing a meeting in Munich Beer Hall

• Hitler and Ludendorf stormed the meeting with 300 SA troops and “persuaded” Kahr to support the putsch

• Ludendorf made the mistake of letting Kahr go home – this allowed him to tell the government in Berlin and to get support from the police and army

Munich – 9th November 1923

9th November 1923

• Nazis marched to the city centre but found their way blocked by the armed police and soldier

• Not clear who fired the first shot but 16 Nazis and 3 policemen were dead at the end

• Hitler, Ludendorf and all the main Nazi leaders arrested

Why did the putsch fail?

• Hitler overestimated the support he had in the government and amongst the people

• He did not have the support of the army and police despite Ludendorf

• He was not well enough known to pull of a coup

The trial of Hitler 1924

From disaster to triumph

• Hitler faced life in prison as well as ending his political career

• Instead he turned his trial into a propaganda triumph for himself and the Nazi party

• Instead of giving evidence he gave speeches attacking the Weimar Republic

• Made him the most well known political figure in Germany and got his name know around the world

The verdict

• The judge quite clearly liked Hitler

• Although he was found guilty he was sentenced to only 5 years in prison – he served nine months

• Ludendorf was found not guilty

• Sent to Landsberg Prison – an open prison

Hitler in Prison

• Easy life – had Hess with him, allowed as many visitors as he liked and even had a birthday party

• Allowed hime to write his life story and to make clear his political ideas

• His book “Mein Kampf” (My struggle) was published on his release from prison