the Munich Putsch 1923 Flashcards
what was the munich putsch?
In 1923 Hitler sought to take advantage of Germany’s economic disaster by trying to unite Nationalist groups in Bavaria, and then march on Berlin.
what were Hitlers motivations for the munich putsch?
German reparations to the allies.
French occupation of the Ruhr.
Hyperinflation and passive resistance.
Hitler had the support of a First World War commander, Ludendorff, a national hero.
what were the events of the munich putsch?
a meeting headed by Gustav Kahr was held in Munich on 8th November. Hitler was present and had managed to smuggle in arms, attention was gained by a man climbing on the table and firing a shot into the ceiling, Hitler then proclaimed a ‘National Revolution’ and a coup. However, the Army stayed firm. When the Nazis marched on the Reichswehr Headquarters on the following day, the police opened fire, sixteen Nazi’s were killed, and Hitler lost his nerve. In pain from a dislocated shoulder, sustained in being thrown to the ground during the drama, he was driven away.
what purpose did the putsch serve?
It provided Hitler with much needed publicity, and as a result the Party was now recognised as being in the forefront of German Right Wing politics.
Hitler gained a certain amount of prestige by the masses.
He learned the important lesson that the German people would not follow the Italian (Mussolini) example, and the road to office lay through legal methods via the ballot box.
Overall the episode was impressive for a political nobody, a man that up to that time, whose party had yet to make a political show in the Reichstag elections.
how did hitler present himself in trial after the putsch?
Hitler was in sparkling form and dominated proceedings from the start. With his iron cross pinned to his coat, Hitler began admitting his part in the putsch, but totally rejected the charge of high treason. More accuser than accused, he spoke angrily against Ebert and Scheidemann and accused them of being the true traitors.
what was hitlers sentence?
sentenced to five years fortress arrest whilst Ludendorff was acquitted. The press gave Hitler a media platform like no other, and he used it, many Germans were impressed by the Hero’s role he played. Hitler was sent to the old fortress prison at Landsbergis. Fortress arrest was the most lenient form of detention and, making the most of his privileges allowed by the easy gong regime, the Nazi leader enjoyed celebrity status.
how did Hitler use his trial to benefit the party?
Hitler a media platform like no other, and he used it, many Germans were impressed by the Hero’s role he played.
