the munich putsch

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 to passive resistance and, ultimately, hyperinflation. This crisis was exploited by Adolf Hitler in his attempt 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 troopers (SA).

Who were the SA?

They were Hitler’s 'storm troopers' – essentially his own private army composed 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, the Prime Minister (and de facto dictator) of Bavaria.

Did Hitler know Kahr before the putsch?

Yes – they had planned the putsch together, although Kahr later backed out of the plan.

What was Hitler’s plan with the putsch?

To take over Munich and then 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?

Because Bavarian politicians such as Kahr and Lossow alerted the police and the army; when Hitler tried to march through Munich, he was confronted by armed troops.

What happened in the battle between the army and the Nazis?

Sixteen Nazis were killed, and Hitler fled the scene.

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?

1. He used his trial as a platform to speak on his views, gaining national publicity. 2. He was imprisoned – but only served nine months of a five-year sentence. 3. During his imprisonment, he wrote Mein Kampf, which helped him clarify his ideology.

What did Hitler realise about his methods?

That his methods 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?

It showed that the judiciary (the judges) had right‑wing sympathies.

What was the Munich Putsch?

The Munich Putsch, also known as the Beer Hall Putsch, was a significant event in German history that involved several key elements:

• Date of the Putsch: November 8-9, 1923
• Participants: Approximately 2,000 members of the Nazi Party led by Adolf Hitler
• Location: Munich, Germany, initially starting at the Bürgerbräukeller (a beer hall)
• Main Objective: To overthrow the Weimar Republic and establish a new government led by Hitler
• Outcome: The coup failed, resulting in the death of 16 Nazis and the arrest of Hitler and other leaders.