Events during the Munich Putsch

ZIMSEC O Level History Notes: Dictatorship in Europe: Dictatorship in Germany: Hitler’s Attempt to Seize Power

  • 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

To access more topics go to the History Notes page.