The Munich Putsch Flashcards
What is meant by ‘putsch’?
An attempt to violently overthrow the government
Why was 1923 a ‘year of crisis’ for the Weimar Republic
It began with the invasion of the Ruhr in January, which led passive resistance and, ultimately, hyperinflation. This was seized on by Adolf Hitler, who tried to overthrow the government
What is the Munich Putsch also sometimes known as?
The Beer Hall Putsch
When was the Munich Putsch
8-9 November 1923
What did Hitler do to start the putsch?
Hitler entered a local government meeting (in a Munich beer hall) with 600 storm trooper (SA)
Who were the SA
Hitler’s ‘storm troopers’ - essentially his own private army, made up mostly of brutish thugs
In what region is Munich?
Bavaria - a region in southern Germany
Who was speaking in the meeting when Hitler interrupted?
Gustav von Kahr, Prime Minister (essentially dictator) of Bavaria
Did Hitler know Kahr before the putsch?
Yes - they had planned the putsch together, although Kahr would later back out of the plan
What was Hitler’s plan with the putsch?
They would take over Munich - and then they would march on Berlin
Who was Hitler partly inspired by?
Benito Mussolini, the fascist leader of Italy, who had marched on Rome in 1922 and seized power.
Which key individual did Hitler have the support of in his putsch?
General Ludendorff - a popular war hero
Why did the putsch fail?
Kahr and Lossow, another politician, alerted the police and the army. When Hitler tried to march through Munich, he was greeted with armed troops.
What happened in the battle between the army and the Nazis?
16 Nazis were killed and Hitler fled
What happened to Hitler immediately after the Munich Putsch?
He was arrested two days later
What were the positive consequences of the putsch for Hitler?
) He used his trial to speak on his views and gained national publicity
2) He was imprisoned - but only served 9 months of his 5 year sentence
3) During his imprisonment, he wrote Mein Kampf, which helped him clarify his views
What did Hitler realise about his methods?
They had to change. He decided to seek power democratically rather than through violent means.
What sentence did Ludendorff get?
None - he was acquitted
What did Hitler’s trial show about the judicial system?
That the judiciary (the judges) had right-wing sympathies
