The Munich Putsch – November 1923.
Background: Hitler joined German Workers Party 1919. In charge of propaganda. Introduced 25 Point Programme outlining ideas. In 1920 party changed name to National Socialist German Workers Party and bought a newspaper. In 1921 the Sturm Abteilung (SA) were set up.
Why 1923? Nazi Party is still a small regional party based in Bavaria. Bavaria was governed by a right wing state government under von Kahr.
The Putsch: Read section in your text books about The Munich Putsch: events. Write down bullet points about what happened. You have 5 minutes.
What happened next? Putsch was broken up by armed police. 16 killed. Hitler was put on trial in February 1924. Hitler was found guilty of treason. He was sentenced to 5 years in prison (THINK: why would the court give him such a light sentence?). Hitler served 9 months only in Landsberg Prison.
The failed putsch turned Hitler into a celebrity Whilst he was in prison he was treated well and was allowed to write a book explaining his views. Hitler realised that the best way to get into power was through his popularity in the ballot box The failed putsch turned Hitler into a celebrity National Figure ‘Mein Kampf Consequences of the Munich Putsch & Hitler’s Trial Membership of the Nazi Party increased. His trial was reported in all the national newspapers Hitler was allowed to make long speeches about his ideas.
So was the Munich Putsch a failure? Nazis did not seize power. Hitler was humiliated and sent to prison. BUT . . . It gave Hitler and the Nazis a national profile. It allowed Hitler to reflect on his ideas. He realised he could achieve power only through the ballot box.