Hitler’s Attempt to Seize Power

Events during the Munich Putsch

• On 8 November 1923 Hitler and the Nazi members decided to seize power by force
• They took advantage of the political and economic difficulties faced by Germany at that time
• They marched to the Municipal buildings in Munich and proclaimed a provisional government in a beerhall with 600 followers
• Bavarian nationalist withdrew the support they had earlier promised
• Hitler and his followers were displaced by few armed police and 16 Nazi were killed
• Four policemen also died in the incident
• The incident is known as the Beer Hall Putsch or  the Munich Putsch
• It is viewed as a failed coup attempt
• Hitler was arrested and sentenced to 5 years in prison for treason
• Instead of 5 years he stayed only 9 months in prison
• He was given a comfortable flat in jail and wrote his book called the Mein Kampf which means My Struggle
• He was given a secretary to type his book
• The incident and ensuing arrest brought three benefits to Hitler
• First the arrest and coup attempt brought Hitler nation wide and even international fame
• Secondly the 24 day trial which followed gave him a platform to share his political views and philosophy which he later codified in his book Mein Kampf
• Thirdly it gave him insight on how to legitimately gain power

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