'The events in Munich of 8/9 November 1923 greatly increased the influence of Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany'.

History Question 6

‘The events in Munich of 8/9 November 1923 greatly increased the influence of Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany’

During this period in time the inflation in Germany had got out of control, and reparation payments had began (demanded by the Treaty of Versailles) meaning Germany was under huge pressure to rebuild it’s economic power and ability. The German army was reduced to 100,000 men and had lost territories of France and Poland due to just a few terms in the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler saw this time as chance to prove himself. Hitler was greatly motivated and desired for power. John Dornberg wrote that for Hitler the Munich putsch had been ‘a rehearsal for power’. The defeat of Germany in the Great War resulted in leaving Germany even weaker. Accusations has been pointed towards the government of betraying the public due to the way the armistice and treaties had been drawn up.

There can be two points of view of this statement. You can believe that the events did not increase influence and that it was a failure or that in it’s own right was a success influencing the power of the Nazis. Both sides of the argument shall be looked at and considered.

No the Beer Hall Putch and the National Revolution did not increase the influence of the Nazi party instead it was a failure. The whole incident as a general proved to be e a failure with Hitler ending up in trial. This is proved in Source I showing that he was at the entrance on the way to trial, all dressed up smart. It could be argued that the whole experience was not organised and addressed in the appropriate manner as all failed. Source H shows that the police were called upon resulting in chaos. ‘but in the centre of the city met a further road-block’. From source G we learn of ‘but this did not prevent him from running’, showing that Hitler ran away from the problem he started and ‘drove into the mountains’. This cowardly behaviour has been much disputed and it could be argued about was it the truth of how ‘he was pulled down by the mortally wounded man next to him’ as explained in Source H-a bibliography of Hitler published in 1973. It appeared that Hitler was running away form his problems looking very cowardly and producing a negative view of Hitler among the Germans.

This is a preview of the whole essay

When Hitler went into prison there was huge inflation because of the huge depression, which was where Hitler saw his chance to come to power. When Hitler came out of prison all the repayments that Germany owed made from the Treaty of Versailles had been paid as America had been paying money to Germany. This showed that the German economy had been recovered and that the German people would not be interested in Hitler ideas anymore. This meant that Germany’s economy system was on the way to recovery. However Germany were totally reliant the American economy and in 1929 was the Wall Street Crash meant not only did American suffer but also the Germans. The Germans were now suffering again making Hitler seem more appealing due to the hatred of the present government. He saw this a shis chance to put across the ideas he had thought of while in prison and attempted to overcome the government. Some people believe that it was the Wall Street Crash that made Hitler popular.

However the other side of the argument is that the incidents that occurred meant greater publicity and influential ideas placed upon the German people. Hitler gained a lot of media attention for himself and also the Nazi Party, as shown in Source I- a photograph taken of him going to trial. Hitler had the chance to use the mass media coverage to produce and put across to the nation his ideas. Source J is a statement made by Hitler during his trial ‘I feel myself the best of Germans who wanted the best for the German people’. His time in prison game him time to reflect and realise where his plan had gone wrong and where it could be improved for the future. Source K is a letter made while in prison to a member of the Nazi Party. ‘it will be necessary to pursue a new policy’, showing he understands he needs to change the tactics. While in prison he developed the Mein Kampf (meaning ‘my struggle’) also another stunt to produce media attention but also like an account where he could produce his daily thoughts and feelings, and to clarify his political thinking. He realised that he needed to destroy the ideas of violent tactics and replace them with more democratic ideas.

Source D is a speech of Hitler’s stating that ‘The National Revolution has begun’. He is telling everyone of his intentions and also shows great determination and will power. This is explicit by: ‘Now I am going to carry out the vow I made five years ago’. This shows strength of mind and him knowing what he wants, therefore as a result we realise the Nazi party had goals and aims that they were targeting for.

Source E is a very effective source of information a sit shows that speeches made by Hitler did have an effect on people as this witness decided to join the Nazi party as a result, proving the speech to be very effectual as an outcome. The man was said to be ‘disillusioned’ by Hitler. Germany at this time was suffering severely due to reparation payments and many workers had gone on strike, aggravating a crisis in Germany’s economy. German money lost almost value. Hitler saw an opportunity to prove himself and make a difference by trying to overthrow the Bavarian and National German government.

My overall conclusion is yes the events of the 8/9 of November did increase the influence of Hitler and the Nazi party. Even though the actual planned revolution had been a failure, the Nazi party gained much media attention and got themselves known throughout Germany.

During 1919 and 1920 Hitler joined the Nazi party and soon was a keynote speaker because of his ability to whip an audience into a frenzy. He soon dominated the party and was given the title Fuhrer. He also established a Nazi newspaper. From his involvement in 1919 he transformed the party with one aim, which was to overthrow the Weimar government. He knew it was time to persuade his fellow workers that action had to be taken – the Munich putsch.

On the night of 8th November 1923, 3000 of the Weimar Republic were in a beer hall-Burgerbraukeller- having a formal political meeting when Hitler and the SA intruded in on the meeting. They caused chaos jumping on the tables and firing gunshots into the air. He told the fellow people in front of him that a march was going to take place and that it was a ‘national revolution’. He had planned a march in Berlin and the next morning at 11 o’clock it began, however the police turned up proving to be very effective. They built a barricade along the route, and as the Nazis came closer, firing began. 16 Nazis were killed and many injured including Hitler who had hurt his shoulder. It was said that he laid down until the fighting was over then made a speedily departure.

In 1929 was the Wall Street Crash and again the German people needed someone to look up upon and Hitler saw this as his chance.

He had spent time in prison reflecting on why his plan had gone wrong and where it could be improved for the future, making him more motivated and determined. He changed his violent tactics to more democratic ideas as he realised the violent ones were not working.

He also decided on aiming his views and ideas to not the poor but different classes of people now. This is explicit in Source K ‘Sooner or later we shall have a majority, and after Germany’.