Section B: the Munich Putsch and lean years of the Nazi Party, 1923-29

What event led to the Munich Putsch in 1923?

Many Germans were angry at the circumstances at the end of WW1, the ‘stab in the back’ myth, reparations and the loss of colonies.

Why was nationalist sentiment strong in Bavaria in the early 1920s?

Bavarian nationalist leaders, like Gustav von Kahr, sympathized with the NSDAP and opposed the Weimar Republic.

Which event in 1922 influenced Hitler to plan the Munich Putsch?

Mussolini's 'March on Rome' in 1922, where he overthrew the Italian government, inspired Hitler.

What economic crisis influenced the timing of the Munich Putsch?

Hyperinflation peaked in November 1923, the same time the Putsch was planned.

How did the French occupation of the Ruhr contribute to the Munich Putsch?

It contributed to the perception that the Weimar Republic was weak in the face of foreign provocation.

Who were the key figures initially leading the Munich Putsch?

Gustav von Kahr, Colonel von Seisser, and General von Lossow were the key Bavarian figures.

How did Hitler take charge of the Munich Putsch?

Hitler interrupted a meeting on November 8, 1923, and took Kahr, Seisser, and Lossow prisoner.

What happened after Hitler and his supporters took Kahr and his associates prisoner?

Von Kahr and his associates were allowed to go home, and von Lossow alerted the army.

What was the outcome of Hitler's march on Munich on November 9, 1923?

The march was blocked by police and army forces, and 14 marchers and 4 police were killed.

What happened to Hitler after the Munich Putsch failed?

Hitler fled but was arrested two days later and found hiding in a cupboard.

What was the consequence of Hitler's trial after the Munich Putsch?

Hitler was sentenced to five years in prison but only served 9 months, and gained national publicity.

How did Hitler change his strategy after the Putsch?

He shifted from using violent protests to seeking power through democratic elections.

What did Hitler do during his time in prison?

He wrote his autobiography, Mein Kampf, outlining his political views.

What political ideas did Hitler express in Mein Kampf?

He expressed racist views, advocated for Lebensraum, and criticized the Treaty of Versailles.

What strategy did Hitler adopt to gain power after his release from prison?

He focused on rebuilding the Nazi Party and winning support through elections.

What organizational changes did Hitler make to the Nazi Party in 1925?

He relaunched the NSDAP, appointed new leaders, and reorganized the Party into 35 regions.

How did the SA grow during the late 1920s?

The SA grew to 400,000 members by 1930, but Hitler became wary of their loyalty to Ernst Röhm.

What new group did Hitler establish to protect himself and the Party?

Hitler formed the Schutzstaffel (SS), which was controlled by Heinrich Himmler.

What was the Bamberg Conference of 1926 about?

It was a meeting where Hitler reasserted control over the Nazi Party and shifted its focus to nationalism.

How did the Nazis fare in the 1928 elections?

The Nazis won only 2.6% of the vote and 12 seats, showing limited support for their policies at the time.