nov 8, 1923 - Munich Putsch

Description:

Hitler launched the Munich Putsch, an armed revolt intended to overthrow the Weimar Republic.

Hitler broke into the beer hall in which Kahr (leader of Bavarian government), Seisser (head of Bavarian police) and Lossow (head of Bavarian army) were speaking. He had 600 SA troops with him and was supported by the German general Ludendorff. He declared Bavaria his, and demanded the three men's support. Röhm took the local police and army headquarters, but the main army barracks were still loyal to Weimar.

The next morning, Ludendorff released the three men while Hitler was elsewhere. They went against Hitler along with the army. Most of the townspeople were indifferent. Hitler had 3000 followers. When they met the police, 14 of Hitler's supporters and 4 policemen died. Goering went into hiding abroad. Hitler fled to a friend's house where he was later arrested. Ludendorff, Röhm and Streicher were arrested. Ludendorff was found not guilty because of a biased judge. Hitler and three others were sentenced to five years in prison.

He launched the Putsch for these reasons:
- deep resentment for the Treaty of Versailles
- the Nazis were growing and now had 50000 members
- the inspiration of Mussolini and the Fascists marching on Rome in 1922
- hyperinflation and the occupation of the Ruhr could be exploited to gain power for the Nazis

Outcomes of the Putsch:
- humiliation for Hitler
- publicity for Hitler
- Hitler turned towards democratic methods
- Hitler wrote 'Mein Kampf' in prison
- the Nazi party was banned until February 1925, but it still won 32 seats under a different name

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