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The Trial of Adolf Hitler: The Beer Hall Putsch and the Rise of Nazi Germany
“Gripping… a disturbing portrait of how an advanced country can descend into chaos.” —Frederick Taylor, Wall Street Journal
The Trial of Adolf Hitler tells the true story of the monumental criminal proceeding that thrust Hitler into the limelight after the failed beer hall putsch, provided him with an unprecedented stage for his demagoguery, and set him on his improbable path to power. Reporters from as far away as Argentina and Australia flocked to Munich for the sensational, four-week spectacle. By the end, Hitler would transform a fiasco into a stunning victory for the fledgling Nazi Party. The first book in English on the subject, The Trial of Adolf Hitler draws on never-before-published sources to re-create in riveting detail a haunting failure of justice with catastrophic consequences.
The Trial of Adolf Hitler tells the true story of the monumental criminal proceeding that thrust Hitler into the limelight after the failed beer hall putsch, provided him with an unprecedented stage for his demagoguery, and set him on his improbable path to power. Reporters from as far away as Argentina and Australia flocked to Munich for the sensational, four-week spectacle. By the end, Hitler would transform a fiasco into a stunning victory for the fledgling Nazi Party. The first book in English on the subject, The Trial of Adolf Hitler draws on never-before-published sources to re-create in riveting detail a haunting failure of justice with catastrophic consequences.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2017
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April 18, 2021
“No one, then or later, has satisfactorily answered the question of who fired the first shot. The putschists would blame the police, and the police the putschists. [Police Lieutenant] Michael Godin said that his company used only ‘rifle-butt and baton’ until the first bullet whizzed by him and struck Sgt. Nikolaus Hollweg of the state police in the head. Before Godin could give the order to fire, he claimed, the police responded as if in a single volley. [Adolf] Hitler’s men did likewise, in a thunderous roar echoing off the narrow street…Hitler was one of the first to fall. He was either pulled down…or he instinctively sought cover as he would have done as a dispatch runner under fire in the First World War. He grabbed his left shoulder in wrenching pain, fearing he had been shot. The blood on him was in fact from [Max] Scheubner-Richter, who had been hit in the lungs and died immediately. The bullet missed Hitler by about one foot…”
- David King, The Trial of Adolf Hitler: The Beer Hall Putsch and the Rise of Nazi Germany
The Beer Hall Putsch of November 8-9, 1923, is one of those great, Quantum Leap moments in history where things could have turned out very differently, if only nudged slightly one way or the other. There were, of course, many moments during Adolf Hitler’s rise to power when he could have been squashed like a bug. But as David King demonstrates in The Trial of Adolf Hitler, there was probably never a better one. It’s not just the twelve inches that separated Hitler from a bullet in a crowded Munich street. Rather, it was the trial that followed, in which Hitler – facing deportation, a lengthy imprisonment, or possibly execution – somehow escaped with just eight months in prison for attempting to overthrow the Weimar Republic.
This is a farce that turned into a tragedy, and the most profound element of this tragedy is the absolute failure of the rule of law.
The Beer Hall Putsch is the name given to an attempted coup by Hitler, General Erich Ludendorff, and the Nazi Party. The plan was for the Nazis to take control of Bavaria, and use Munich as a base to march on Berlin and destroy the Weimar Republic. On the night of November 8, with the Bavarian state commissioner Gustav von Kahr slated to give a speech at the Bürgerbräukeller, Hitler and his goon squad marched into the crowded beer hall and – in essence – took everyone captive. He then declared that the Bavarian government was deposed, in favor of a new government with Ludendorff as figurehead. To cap off matters, Hitler forced his three most prominent hostages (Kahr; State Police Chief Hans Ritter von Seisser; and Reichswehr General Otto von Lossow) to go along with the deal. (Hitler didn't notice that their fingers were crossed). Meanwhile, elements of the SA began occupying key positions around Munich.
If you’re thinking to yourself, it doesn’t seem likely that a coup that starts in a beer hall with 3,000 drunks is going to work, you are correct. Things started to go wrong and Hitler made the mistake of leaving the Bürgerbräukeller to fix them. In his absence, Ludendorff let the three Bavarian officials go. They promptly went back on their word to support the coup.
The next day, Hitler’s “masterstroke” ended in bloodshed at the Odeonsplatz.
After a brief time on the run (partially spent wearing a ridiculous bathrobe and contemplating suicide), Hitler was arrested. With nine other defendants, he was tried before the People’s Court, a ten-week spectacle that makes the O.J. Simpson trial appear functional. (And makes Judge Wapner’s The People’s Court look entirely legitimate). At the end of it, a sympathetic right-wing judge gave Hitler a slap on the wrist. The eight months Hitler spent in “fortress confinement” (a comfortable incarceration for political prisoners) was well worth the notoriety he gained by his speechifying during the trial.
King does a marvelous job with this story. At only 336-pages, The Trial of Adolf Hitler felt both comprehensive and fast-paced. Honestly, I picked this up out of a desire to learn more about this topic, without much hope that it would be entertaining. In this, I was wrong, and glad for it. King has a very lucid and engaging style, and utilizes short chapters that keeps things moving along.
The Trial of Adolf Hitler is split into three sections. The first is a detailed, hour by hour retelling of the Beer Hall Putsch itself. While King does not waste any time providing pre-Putsch context, he does a very good job of leading even unfamiliar readers through the tangle of Weimar politics. A dramatis personae is also included, so that you don’t have to memorize every single unfamiliar name.
The second section is devoted to the trial itself, and this became a bit of a drag, since much of it is necessarily spent on the trial’s devolution into Nazi self-justification. Nevertheless, King ably handles the courtroom sparring between the overmatched prosecutors and shameless defendants. This might have been a black comedy, if it hadn’t all ended with the Holocaust.
The final, shortest section follows Hitler through his short jaunt in prison, as he starts to write his manifesto, Mein Kampf.
Aside from King’s user-friendly style, he is a great researcher, with an ability to find fascinating, unpublished material (or material that has never been published in English) that gives both insight and color to his narrative. For instance, King provides confirmation, via the Landsberg prison doctor’s report, that Hitler really did suffer from monorchism. So, we can finally put that mystery to rest!
To his credit, King does not oversell the importance of Adolf Hitler’s trial. Yes, he could have been stopped here, had he been dealt with in the same manner as left-wingers and communists charged with the same crime. Yet, there were plenty of other opportunities to stop Hitler and the Nazis in their tracks, before they poured gasoline over Europe and struck a match. Thinking about these things is only apt to make you crazy.
My takeaway from The Trial of Adolf Hitler is to marvel at Hitler’s ridiculous luck. The man was a remarkable idiot. Every part of him not filled with hatred was stuffed with bad ideas. His putsch was a ham-handed disaster that should have ruined his career; instead, because of a sympathetic judge, it actually provided him a public relations boost.
This pattern of reckless decision-making validated by blind, dumb fortune, would be repeated many times in the years to come. It was, indeed, a string of fortunate accidents that would not be broken until June 22, 1941 – when Hitler’s legions crossed into the Soviet Union, and Hitler’s mindlessly confident gambles finally caught up with him. It may be said that the only gift Adolf gave the world was his limitless stupidity. That makes it hard, of course, to stomach how high he managed to climb, and how far he managed to reach.
- David King, The Trial of Adolf Hitler: The Beer Hall Putsch and the Rise of Nazi Germany
The Beer Hall Putsch of November 8-9, 1923, is one of those great, Quantum Leap moments in history where things could have turned out very differently, if only nudged slightly one way or the other. There were, of course, many moments during Adolf Hitler’s rise to power when he could have been squashed like a bug. But as David King demonstrates in The Trial of Adolf Hitler, there was probably never a better one. It’s not just the twelve inches that separated Hitler from a bullet in a crowded Munich street. Rather, it was the trial that followed, in which Hitler – facing deportation, a lengthy imprisonment, or possibly execution – somehow escaped with just eight months in prison for attempting to overthrow the Weimar Republic.
This is a farce that turned into a tragedy, and the most profound element of this tragedy is the absolute failure of the rule of law.
The Beer Hall Putsch is the name given to an attempted coup by Hitler, General Erich Ludendorff, and the Nazi Party. The plan was for the Nazis to take control of Bavaria, and use Munich as a base to march on Berlin and destroy the Weimar Republic. On the night of November 8, with the Bavarian state commissioner Gustav von Kahr slated to give a speech at the Bürgerbräukeller, Hitler and his goon squad marched into the crowded beer hall and – in essence – took everyone captive. He then declared that the Bavarian government was deposed, in favor of a new government with Ludendorff as figurehead. To cap off matters, Hitler forced his three most prominent hostages (Kahr; State Police Chief Hans Ritter von Seisser; and Reichswehr General Otto von Lossow) to go along with the deal. (Hitler didn't notice that their fingers were crossed). Meanwhile, elements of the SA began occupying key positions around Munich.
If you’re thinking to yourself, it doesn’t seem likely that a coup that starts in a beer hall with 3,000 drunks is going to work, you are correct. Things started to go wrong and Hitler made the mistake of leaving the Bürgerbräukeller to fix them. In his absence, Ludendorff let the three Bavarian officials go. They promptly went back on their word to support the coup.
The next day, Hitler’s “masterstroke” ended in bloodshed at the Odeonsplatz.
After a brief time on the run (partially spent wearing a ridiculous bathrobe and contemplating suicide), Hitler was arrested. With nine other defendants, he was tried before the People’s Court, a ten-week spectacle that makes the O.J. Simpson trial appear functional. (And makes Judge Wapner’s The People’s Court look entirely legitimate). At the end of it, a sympathetic right-wing judge gave Hitler a slap on the wrist. The eight months Hitler spent in “fortress confinement” (a comfortable incarceration for political prisoners) was well worth the notoriety he gained by his speechifying during the trial.
King does a marvelous job with this story. At only 336-pages, The Trial of Adolf Hitler felt both comprehensive and fast-paced. Honestly, I picked this up out of a desire to learn more about this topic, without much hope that it would be entertaining. In this, I was wrong, and glad for it. King has a very lucid and engaging style, and utilizes short chapters that keeps things moving along.
The Trial of Adolf Hitler is split into three sections. The first is a detailed, hour by hour retelling of the Beer Hall Putsch itself. While King does not waste any time providing pre-Putsch context, he does a very good job of leading even unfamiliar readers through the tangle of Weimar politics. A dramatis personae is also included, so that you don’t have to memorize every single unfamiliar name.
The second section is devoted to the trial itself, and this became a bit of a drag, since much of it is necessarily spent on the trial’s devolution into Nazi self-justification. Nevertheless, King ably handles the courtroom sparring between the overmatched prosecutors and shameless defendants. This might have been a black comedy, if it hadn’t all ended with the Holocaust.
The final, shortest section follows Hitler through his short jaunt in prison, as he starts to write his manifesto, Mein Kampf.
Aside from King’s user-friendly style, he is a great researcher, with an ability to find fascinating, unpublished material (or material that has never been published in English) that gives both insight and color to his narrative. For instance, King provides confirmation, via the Landsberg prison doctor’s report, that Hitler really did suffer from monorchism. So, we can finally put that mystery to rest!
To his credit, King does not oversell the importance of Adolf Hitler’s trial. Yes, he could have been stopped here, had he been dealt with in the same manner as left-wingers and communists charged with the same crime. Yet, there were plenty of other opportunities to stop Hitler and the Nazis in their tracks, before they poured gasoline over Europe and struck a match. Thinking about these things is only apt to make you crazy.
My takeaway from The Trial of Adolf Hitler is to marvel at Hitler’s ridiculous luck. The man was a remarkable idiot. Every part of him not filled with hatred was stuffed with bad ideas. His putsch was a ham-handed disaster that should have ruined his career; instead, because of a sympathetic judge, it actually provided him a public relations boost.
This pattern of reckless decision-making validated by blind, dumb fortune, would be repeated many times in the years to come. It was, indeed, a string of fortunate accidents that would not be broken until June 22, 1941 – when Hitler’s legions crossed into the Soviet Union, and Hitler’s mindlessly confident gambles finally caught up with him. It may be said that the only gift Adolf gave the world was his limitless stupidity. That makes it hard, of course, to stomach how high he managed to climb, and how far he managed to reach.
July 20, 2017
On November, 8th, 1923, Hitler, who was suffering from toothache, left his rented room for the offices of the National Socialist newspaper, edited by Alfred Rosenberg. Due to inflation, the paper cost five billion marks. Hitler told Rosenberg, and the half-American Ernst Hanfstaengl, to be at the Burgenbrau beer cellar that evening – “The moment for action has come!”
This then, is the story of the ‘Beer Hall Putsch,’ which Hitler managed to turn from a disaster, into something of a victory. I must admit that I have always been a little hazy on the details of this event and learnt a lot from this book that I did not know before. Beer halls were popular venues for political meetings at that time and there were an estimated 3000 people there when Hitler pushed his way through the crowd, intent on overthrowing the government.
By the time Hitler had stumbled onto the stage, brandishing a pistol and bluffing that the army barracks and police headquarters had been occupied, there was extreme post-war disillusionment. The political situation led the population to drift to the extremes of the Far Right and Communism. There was an instable currency, people’s life savings had been wiped away by hyperinflation, there was an uncertain future and Italy’s Benito Mussolini was seen as a dynamic leader and role model.
Much of this book deals with the details of the failed attempt by Hitler to seize power. The event is outlined in detail, with Hitler’s Assault Squad (Stosstrupp Hitler), consisting of about 125 men, forming the core of the later SS, and many familiar names, such as Hermann Goring, being involved – and others, such as Goebbels, being inspired to strike up a correspondence with Hitler after his arrest.
After the shooting, and the violence, Hitler – rather ignominiously – fled the scene and went into hiding. When his hiding place was uncovered, he dramatically tried to commit suicide, but was dissuaded from doing so. Once under arrest, he was again (seemingly, rather easily) convinced not to try to harm himself, when he stated he was going on hunger strike. In fact, once confined at the Landsberg, progressive prison, he found he had a comfortable room and many privileges. Indeed, the author makes a good argument that, had Hitler not been arrested, he would not have been the later success he was. At the time, and until much too late, he was not really taken seriously. One reporter said he seemed, “like a travelling salesman for a clothing firm,” rather than a political leader.
Having been arrested, Hitler could have faced a harsh sentence and possible deportation from Germany. Instead, he was tried, not by jury, but by a tribunal of judges. Along with the other defendants, he was charged with high treason, but not with the number of other possible charges that they could have faced. The presiding judge, Georg Neithardt, was ingratiating, polite and allowed Hitler to give endless speeches and perform for the crowds who flocked to see him. Having been given a slap on the wrist by the Court, he later had time to write, “Mein Kampf,” while receiving visitors, parading his thoughts to a non critical audience and gaining the confidence he needed to turn himself into the leader of the National Socialist Party. This is a fascinating read and extremely well written, with lots of detail both on the Putsch and the trial. It helps explain how Hitler transformed himself from a man with a pistol and a half baked plan, into an assured leader, with the backing to put his bizarre ideas into print and his political ideas into practice.
This then, is the story of the ‘Beer Hall Putsch,’ which Hitler managed to turn from a disaster, into something of a victory. I must admit that I have always been a little hazy on the details of this event and learnt a lot from this book that I did not know before. Beer halls were popular venues for political meetings at that time and there were an estimated 3000 people there when Hitler pushed his way through the crowd, intent on overthrowing the government.
By the time Hitler had stumbled onto the stage, brandishing a pistol and bluffing that the army barracks and police headquarters had been occupied, there was extreme post-war disillusionment. The political situation led the population to drift to the extremes of the Far Right and Communism. There was an instable currency, people’s life savings had been wiped away by hyperinflation, there was an uncertain future and Italy’s Benito Mussolini was seen as a dynamic leader and role model.
Much of this book deals with the details of the failed attempt by Hitler to seize power. The event is outlined in detail, with Hitler’s Assault Squad (Stosstrupp Hitler), consisting of about 125 men, forming the core of the later SS, and many familiar names, such as Hermann Goring, being involved – and others, such as Goebbels, being inspired to strike up a correspondence with Hitler after his arrest.
After the shooting, and the violence, Hitler – rather ignominiously – fled the scene and went into hiding. When his hiding place was uncovered, he dramatically tried to commit suicide, but was dissuaded from doing so. Once under arrest, he was again (seemingly, rather easily) convinced not to try to harm himself, when he stated he was going on hunger strike. In fact, once confined at the Landsberg, progressive prison, he found he had a comfortable room and many privileges. Indeed, the author makes a good argument that, had Hitler not been arrested, he would not have been the later success he was. At the time, and until much too late, he was not really taken seriously. One reporter said he seemed, “like a travelling salesman for a clothing firm,” rather than a political leader.
Having been arrested, Hitler could have faced a harsh sentence and possible deportation from Germany. Instead, he was tried, not by jury, but by a tribunal of judges. Along with the other defendants, he was charged with high treason, but not with the number of other possible charges that they could have faced. The presiding judge, Georg Neithardt, was ingratiating, polite and allowed Hitler to give endless speeches and perform for the crowds who flocked to see him. Having been given a slap on the wrist by the Court, he later had time to write, “Mein Kampf,” while receiving visitors, parading his thoughts to a non critical audience and gaining the confidence he needed to turn himself into the leader of the National Socialist Party. This is a fascinating read and extremely well written, with lots of detail both on the Putsch and the trial. It helps explain how Hitler transformed himself from a man with a pistol and a half baked plan, into an assured leader, with the backing to put his bizarre ideas into print and his political ideas into practice.
August 27, 2017
This book chronicles one of the crucial moments of Adolf Hitler's life, after failing to overthrow the Weimar Republic in a failed putsch in 1923 him and his coconspirators were put in front of a court and charged with high treason, it should have been an easy conviction, there were thousands of witnesses, there was kidnapping of government officials, there was deaths , there were racist remarks and race violence against Jewish and minorities in Munich. But Hitler received the most lenient sentence, he wasn't deported (he was an Austrian citizen), and he emerged more powerful than ever , ready to start gathering power in his party and outside of it . Why did this happen ? , why the situation in Munich was such that it let him get away with it ? .This book answers those questions with well researched statements and very good narrative. Perfect book for anyone interested in the rise of the Nazi party.
August 10, 2022
David King's The Trial of Adolf Hitler is a crisp, reportorial recollection of the Beer Hall Putsch and subsequent trial. King starts the book with a blow-by-blow recounting of the Putsch, with mini-profiles of the main Nazi and conservative leaders woven into his narrative. Hitler's precipitous action alienated many far-right Bavarians who might otherwise have supported him, leading to a bloody fiasco that should have ended National Socialism before it properly began. But it didn't, thanks to a circuslike show trial that served as a platform for Hitler's grievances against Versailles, the Weimar Republic and sundry other boogeyman that captivated Germany. He benefited from a timid prosecution team, a judge (George Neithardt) openly sympathetic to the Nazis and the prestige of General Ludendorff, who unexpectedly found himself sidelined during his young protege's harangues. In exchange for this extraordinary propaganda boost, Hitler served a token prison sentence that only served to heighten prestige, allowing him to write Mein Kampf and solidify his toxic ideology in the process. Published in 2018, King's book provides a sadly timely account of how allowing fascists to commit crimes against the state with impunity can only weaken the state, while strengthening their cause.
October 5, 2017
The Trial of Adolf Hitler – Could he have been stopped?
Historian David King asks a challenging question over the course of his book, The Trial of Adolf Hitler, could he have been stopped? That is a question that the reader will continue to ask themselves throughout the book, and that it what good historians do, make you question! King maybe a full-time writer now, but has taught European History and is a former Fulbright Scholar at Cambridge.
The Weimar Republic was doomed from its existence, as many Germans thought their leadership had sold them down river at Versailles and beyond. At home there was much revolutionary activity, of all political shades, and one attempted coup has become more well-known than others.
23rd November 1923, a little known regional politician attempted to bring down the German government and emulate the Italian Fascist Benito Mussolini. Hitler and his brownshirts had surrounded the Bürgerbraükeller as Herman Göring, Rudolf Hess and Hitler attempted to storm the stage and fired a shot into the roof. Fuelled by alcohol, and with the attempted coup failing he tried to do a deal, it did not work. He was later arrested in his pyjamas.
Hitler was charged with High Treason, and as an Austrian could and should have been deported back there if found guilty. But the failings of the trial judge and the Munich elite, especially as the presiding judge allows Hitler to turn his defence in to an attack on the political system. Saying that the presiding judge was known for being somewhat soft on those from the right of Bavarian politics. So, when the verdicts were delivered on April’s Fools Day 1924 and were unsurprisingly lenient. Hitler and three comrades were sentenced to 5 years but served about nine months and was out of prison by the end of 1924.
This book is concerned with the actual trial and uses the papers and other contemporary records, such as trial transcripts and prison archives. What King delivers is more a less a minute by minute account of the trial, giving the reader an excellent narrative of the events. The book is brilliantly researched, written is a style that is easy for the reader to engage with the narrative, he brings to life the chaos nature of life at the time.
Historian David King asks a challenging question over the course of his book, The Trial of Adolf Hitler, could he have been stopped? That is a question that the reader will continue to ask themselves throughout the book, and that it what good historians do, make you question! King maybe a full-time writer now, but has taught European History and is a former Fulbright Scholar at Cambridge.
The Weimar Republic was doomed from its existence, as many Germans thought their leadership had sold them down river at Versailles and beyond. At home there was much revolutionary activity, of all political shades, and one attempted coup has become more well-known than others.
23rd November 1923, a little known regional politician attempted to bring down the German government and emulate the Italian Fascist Benito Mussolini. Hitler and his brownshirts had surrounded the Bürgerbraükeller as Herman Göring, Rudolf Hess and Hitler attempted to storm the stage and fired a shot into the roof. Fuelled by alcohol, and with the attempted coup failing he tried to do a deal, it did not work. He was later arrested in his pyjamas.
Hitler was charged with High Treason, and as an Austrian could and should have been deported back there if found guilty. But the failings of the trial judge and the Munich elite, especially as the presiding judge allows Hitler to turn his defence in to an attack on the political system. Saying that the presiding judge was known for being somewhat soft on those from the right of Bavarian politics. So, when the verdicts were delivered on April’s Fools Day 1924 and were unsurprisingly lenient. Hitler and three comrades were sentenced to 5 years but served about nine months and was out of prison by the end of 1924.
This book is concerned with the actual trial and uses the papers and other contemporary records, such as trial transcripts and prison archives. What King delivers is more a less a minute by minute account of the trial, giving the reader an excellent narrative of the events. The book is brilliantly researched, written is a style that is easy for the reader to engage with the narrative, he brings to life the chaos nature of life at the time.
August 16, 2017
More like 4.5 stars, due to some breeziness of style and a bit too much conjecture here and there. Overall, an engrossing and chilling read. Watching Hitler become HITLER is sobering and says a lot about the power of demagoguery in bad times. Hitler was partly the center of a confluence of events and trends, and a gadfly who struck a chord with some people at a critical historical point. This book gives you a much clearer sense of what led to the rise of Hitler, how bullheadedness and delusion -- far more than genius -- fueled his cultivation of power. The book is humanizing, but it does not stray for one minute from its detailed delineation of Hitler's transformation into a mad visionary whose narrative of humiliation and glory became a path to power.
One of the things I most appreciated about this book was the context it provided. The chaos and complexity of the historical moment, through the putsch and the trial, is laid out plainly and in detail. The book gave me a deep sense of how elements from the Treaty of Versailles to the disrupted state of German politics created well-tilled ground for Hitler to plant his ideas. And the trial itself gave him a platform and a bullhorn for him to spread and elaborate his notion of a destiny for Germany. It is fascinating and disquieting to watch it all unfold, and realize that Hitler's rise was neither inevitable nor totalizing.
I highly recommend reading this book.
One of the things I most appreciated about this book was the context it provided. The chaos and complexity of the historical moment, through the putsch and the trial, is laid out plainly and in detail. The book gave me a deep sense of how elements from the Treaty of Versailles to the disrupted state of German politics created well-tilled ground for Hitler to plant his ideas. And the trial itself gave him a platform and a bullhorn for him to spread and elaborate his notion of a destiny for Germany. It is fascinating and disquieting to watch it all unfold, and realize that Hitler's rise was neither inevitable nor totalizing.
I highly recommend reading this book.
September 5, 2018
David Kingin "Hitlerin oikeudenkäynti: vallankaappausyritys 1923 ja natsi-Saksan nousu" (Otava, 2017) valikoitui lukulistalleni kun vierailin kesälomareissullani Münchenissä tutustumassa kaupungin mielenkiintoiseen historiaan kansallissosialistisen puolueen syntykaupunkina. Se käsittelee Adolf Hitlerin natsipuolueen epäonnistunutta oluthuonevallankaappausta, joka päättyi laukaustenvaihtoon ja useamman ihmisen kuolemaan Odeonsplatzilla.
Lain koura tavoitti paenneen Hitlerin, joka liittolaisineen marssitettiin oikeuden eteen. Seurannut oikeudenkäynti oli kuitenkin melkoinen mahalasku, jota jo aikalaiset pitivät täydellisenä farssina. Hitlerille tarjoutui mahdollisuus puhua melkein rajoittamattomasti ja levittää poliittista sanomaansa julkisuuteen. Lisäksi hänen tuomionsa oli naurettavan pieni, mikä kertoo sekin oikeudenkäynnin puheenjohtajana toimineen Georg Neidthardin oikeistolaisesta aatemaailmasta.
David King kuvaa tapahtumia kiinnostavasti ja asiantuntevasti. Vaikka Hitleristä ja natseista on kirjoitettu paljon, ei vallankaappauksesta ja oikeudenkäynnistä taida olla englanniksi (suomesta puhumattakaan) erityisen paljon materiaalia, vaikka ne käänsivät maailmanhistorian rattaita merkittävällä tavalla.
Ai niin, tosiaan: vierailin lomallani vallankaappausyrityksen alkupisteenä toimineen Bürgerbraukellerin sijaintipaikalla. Vanhaa oluthuone hävitettin maan tasalle 1970-luvulla, ja nykyisin sen paikalla sijaitsee - kuinkas ollakaan - kirjasto!
Lain koura tavoitti paenneen Hitlerin, joka liittolaisineen marssitettiin oikeuden eteen. Seurannut oikeudenkäynti oli kuitenkin melkoinen mahalasku, jota jo aikalaiset pitivät täydellisenä farssina. Hitlerille tarjoutui mahdollisuus puhua melkein rajoittamattomasti ja levittää poliittista sanomaansa julkisuuteen. Lisäksi hänen tuomionsa oli naurettavan pieni, mikä kertoo sekin oikeudenkäynnin puheenjohtajana toimineen Georg Neidthardin oikeistolaisesta aatemaailmasta.
David King kuvaa tapahtumia kiinnostavasti ja asiantuntevasti. Vaikka Hitleristä ja natseista on kirjoitettu paljon, ei vallankaappauksesta ja oikeudenkäynnistä taida olla englanniksi (suomesta puhumattakaan) erityisen paljon materiaalia, vaikka ne käänsivät maailmanhistorian rattaita merkittävällä tavalla.
Ai niin, tosiaan: vierailin lomallani vallankaappausyrityksen alkupisteenä toimineen Bürgerbraukellerin sijaintipaikalla. Vanhaa oluthuone hävitettin maan tasalle 1970-luvulla, ja nykyisin sen paikalla sijaitsee - kuinkas ollakaan - kirjasto!
December 6, 2022
Extrayendo un comentario del autor "No existía hasta la fecha ningún libro dedicado por entero al estudio del juicio de Hitler en otro idioma que no fuera el alemán". El trabajo conseguido es increible, ha recopilado una cantidad ingente de información desde las declaraciones del juicio hasta toda la hemeroteca que se recogió en aquella época. Este es un libro absolutamente recomendable para entender como los Nazis consiguieron hacerse con el poder en un país como Alemania. El juicio es un reflejo de la situación política, económica, social y ayuda a entender como se puso en marcha la maquinaria genocida orquestada por el partido Nacionalsocialista alemán.
Tras el "fallido" golpe de Estado orquestado por Hitler y sus secuaces (tanto dentro como fuera del partido Nazi) el juicio que los "juzgó" sería el punto de partida de toda la locura que tuvo lugar posteriormente. Un libro tremendamente documentado, cuya lectura no es para nada aburrida, y a pesar de la cantidad de referencias anotadas por el autor la lectura es muy amena.
La historia comienza el 8 de noviembre de 1923, "Cerca de las diez de una mañana gélida y gris, Adolf Hitler - que no acostumbraba a levantarse temprano- se despertó con una jaqueca horrible y un dolor intenso" ...
Tras el "fallido" golpe de Estado orquestado por Hitler y sus secuaces (tanto dentro como fuera del partido Nazi) el juicio que los "juzgó" sería el punto de partida de toda la locura que tuvo lugar posteriormente. Un libro tremendamente documentado, cuya lectura no es para nada aburrida, y a pesar de la cantidad de referencias anotadas por el autor la lectura es muy amena.
La historia comienza el 8 de noviembre de 1923, "Cerca de las diez de una mañana gélida y gris, Adolf Hitler - que no acostumbraba a levantarse temprano- se despertó con una jaqueca horrible y un dolor intenso" ...
November 13, 2019
Me ha parecido muy interesante y lleno de datos que desconocía.
July 29, 2019
I have to say, I don't think that I've ever seen a book solely dedicated to the Beer Hall Putsch and its trial before I found this one. I can't really say that I've read much about the event at all, to be honest. It seems like it's often glossed over in history books as a side note, since the "main events" (WW2 and the Shoah) are looming just on the horizon.
I learned a lot from reading this book. I'd always just kind of assumed that the Putsch was a spur of the moment affair and that the Nazis who faced trial were rather uniformly disliked and some incompetent judge gave them a lenient sentence. I also thought that the Putsch was a relatively local affair that didn't garner much international attention. All of that turned out to be wrong.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in WW2 or the Shoah, because there is a lot of information in here that adds depth of understanding to what happened later.
I learned a lot from reading this book. I'd always just kind of assumed that the Putsch was a spur of the moment affair and that the Nazis who faced trial were rather uniformly disliked and some incompetent judge gave them a lenient sentence. I also thought that the Putsch was a relatively local affair that didn't garner much international attention. All of that turned out to be wrong.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in WW2 or the Shoah, because there is a lot of information in here that adds depth of understanding to what happened later.
December 30, 2017
A fantastic book to end the year with for me! I immensely enjoy historical tales; may of them hold more adventure and mystery mysticism than you would find in a fantasy novel. When written with an astute hand, the historical story takes a shape and form that gives it a mythical appearance. Imagine then, a 30-something man shouting and screaming nationalistic ideologies in a beer hall, rallying people to overthrow the existing republic, marching on with his supporters in the streets of Munich, being shot at by the police that would lead to deaths of many men in his party, somehow escaping but only to be taken in by the authorities in a couple of days. Then imagine a grand trial being arranged, a trial to see if this man and his supporters should be charged for high treason, a trial that despite the evident facts in front of it was not an open-and-shut case, a trial in which this man's image would grow even further, a trial whose conclusion would only strengthen the man's ideologies and set him on course to one day usurp the top-most position in his country's government (which incidentally was not his country to begin with) and begin what would later be termed as World War II - a war that destroyed millions of lives. That man, of course, is Adolf Hitler. A time in his life when even failures worked in his favour, when justice bent to allow him to climb higher.
The Trial of Adolf Hitler is a well-documented and masterly written book, giving a chronology of events of the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923 and the trial held afterwards. David King beautifully pieces each moment of history surrounding the putsch into this massive jigsaw puzzle which takes us right there on the streets of Munich with an excitement and fervor that could only have been matched and surpassed by those who had actually lived that moment. He gives us more than a glimpse of the personalities of two highly important men in that march, Adolf Hitler and General Ludendorff. If you are a history fanatic, then you may want to get your hands on this one piece of history that may be less remembered, but in hindsight possibly set the ball rolling for Hitler's rise...
The Trial of Adolf Hitler is a well-documented and masterly written book, giving a chronology of events of the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923 and the trial held afterwards. David King beautifully pieces each moment of history surrounding the putsch into this massive jigsaw puzzle which takes us right there on the streets of Munich with an excitement and fervor that could only have been matched and surpassed by those who had actually lived that moment. He gives us more than a glimpse of the personalities of two highly important men in that march, Adolf Hitler and General Ludendorff. If you are a history fanatic, then you may want to get your hands on this one piece of history that may be less remembered, but in hindsight possibly set the ball rolling for Hitler's rise...
March 11, 2018
Well researched and written account of so called Beerhalle-putch and following trial in Munich in 1923/4. Putch itself seemed at first as fiasco consigning Adolf Hitler and his early Nazis into footnotes of history. Yet, as David King recount in his lively and vivid narration, especially trial which followed helped to shape future carrier of unsuccessful conspirator of bungled, yet bloody attempt to overthrow government first in Bavaria then in all Germany. Hitler exploited trial followed by both local people and world media to turn into his own tribune and his own prosecution of authorities ensnared by him in putch and also of Weimar republic regime as such.
More than twenty people died during the putch, other crimes were committed by Nazi thugs - theft, arson, kidnap, antisemitic attacks, none of them dealt with at trial which in itself ended with perverse verdict - harshest sentence handed down was 5 years in mild prison for Hitler, even shorter terns for others, acquittal for the rest. And in years time Hitler was released. He used that time to write Mein Kampf and prepare for his march to power.
We all know what followed, yet it is important to learn how it all began and how improbable and laughable Munich beer-putchist lookend - for a time.
More than twenty people died during the putch, other crimes were committed by Nazi thugs - theft, arson, kidnap, antisemitic attacks, none of them dealt with at trial which in itself ended with perverse verdict - harshest sentence handed down was 5 years in mild prison for Hitler, even shorter terns for others, acquittal for the rest. And in years time Hitler was released. He used that time to write Mein Kampf and prepare for his march to power.
We all know what followed, yet it is important to learn how it all began and how improbable and laughable Munich beer-putchist lookend - for a time.
March 25, 2018
Another high 4 rating. Good coverage of an often overlooked episode in the ascent of Hitler and the Nazis. The trial and sentencing was basically a farce. After the putsch, the trial was held in Munich where pro-Nazi sentiments and media were in sympathy with the revolutionaries, this provided a non-stop cheering gallery for Hitler to spew his hateful screeds. In effect, by giving him a platform and not restraining him at the trial, he became a much more visible national figure. The judge in the case was very partial to the right-wing agenda and that was manifest in his lenient sentencing. Hitler and the others had committed treason but were sentenced as if they had engaged in a trivial street brawl. Then at the prison, Hitler was treated as royalty and virtually all his whims were accommodated. Due to a procedural mix up, he was also given an early release on parole, which enabled him to resume his destructive ways. There are times in the book where the courtroom saga gets a little repetitious, but it is a provocative work and it makes one wonder what the trajectory of history might have been had Hitler and the Nazis been stopped in their tracks by a more pro-government judge.
July 22, 2018
This was a great book and definitely started connecting the dots as far as how he came to power.
Because of this putsch and trial, it helped him gain popularity.
The main reason for this attempt at overthrowing Germany was because of WWI which was blamed mostly on Germany, the Versailles Treaty basically broke Germany and they were in ruins.
Hitler was basically saying he was going to reunite Germany and make them great again. The putsch failed, and there were riots and murders but the trail was just about high treason...he wasn't even brought up on charges of inciting the riot or the murders.
The judge was partial to Hitler...and because of that he was given leniency on his conviction and then he was paroled 5 months after he was incarcerated.
At the end of the book in the epilogue it talks about all the what-ifs. Apparently this trial and it's publicity and his incarceration made him more famous and helped catapult him to notoriety and eventually would help him become in power of Germany...chilling when you think about it.
At first I thought the book was boring but then really got into it in the end with how this relates to what happened.
Because of this putsch and trial, it helped him gain popularity.
The main reason for this attempt at overthrowing Germany was because of WWI which was blamed mostly on Germany, the Versailles Treaty basically broke Germany and they were in ruins.
Hitler was basically saying he was going to reunite Germany and make them great again. The putsch failed, and there were riots and murders but the trail was just about high treason...he wasn't even brought up on charges of inciting the riot or the murders.
The judge was partial to Hitler...and because of that he was given leniency on his conviction and then he was paroled 5 months after he was incarcerated.
At the end of the book in the epilogue it talks about all the what-ifs. Apparently this trial and it's publicity and his incarceration made him more famous and helped catapult him to notoriety and eventually would help him become in power of Germany...chilling when you think about it.
At first I thought the book was boring but then really got into it in the end with how this relates to what happened.
January 21, 2020
Revela con una excelente narración a detalle y sustentada la etapa del Putsch del 23. Es un libro apasionante desde el punto histórico que logra situar a la imaginación en 5 sentidos y ubicarse al lector en ese contexto histórico y trascendental. Un libro muy corto pero rico en información.
March 18, 2021
boom ! This is the audiobook review. I heard about the beer hall putsch after the American Putsch of 06 Jan 21. (see Robert Evan's podcast, Behind the Bastards--subtitled, Behind the Insurrections) I had heard of it, the putsch, but knew nothing about it. Oh brother, a person can find a million different "what-ifs" from WW2, and this putsch and trial are not an exception. If only... eye roll.
Just read it and weep. Interesting story, well-detailed and not boring. It details the actions of the putsch and then the trial that follows. So, so many things could have been different. Ug. F-ing nazis. Many, many quotes from foreign newspapers. I liked that a lot. In fact, tons of quotes. Detailed, interesting and important to know about.
The book ends in 1924. Hitler is appointed chancellor in 1933. Now I want to know about the intervening years. So, I will tackle the 1200 page, Rise and Fall of the Third Reich sometime this year. It was published in the 1950's and is, apparently, still the standard against which all other books are measured.
Pay attention to this stuff and remember that even after a failed putsch, Hitler eventually got into power by working within the system.
Just read it and weep. Interesting story, well-detailed and not boring. It details the actions of the putsch and then the trial that follows. So, so many things could have been different. Ug. F-ing nazis. Many, many quotes from foreign newspapers. I liked that a lot. In fact, tons of quotes. Detailed, interesting and important to know about.
The book ends in 1924. Hitler is appointed chancellor in 1933. Now I want to know about the intervening years. So, I will tackle the 1200 page, Rise and Fall of the Third Reich sometime this year. It was published in the 1950's and is, apparently, still the standard against which all other books are measured.
Pay attention to this stuff and remember that even after a failed putsch, Hitler eventually got into power by working within the system.
abandoned
June 12, 2018Abandoned at 17% as it wasn't holding my interest. Not read enough to write a review. A mismatch between author's style and reader's preferences, I think.
April 20, 2020
Good overall, though the one- or two-page chapters made for choppy reading.
March 1, 2018
After failing to overthrow the Weimar Republic in a putsch, Hitler and his co-allies were put in front of a court to get charged with high treason. Although there were thousands of witnesses supporting all of their crimes, Hitler still emerged as the most powerful dictator of his time. He was allowed to stay in Munich and not deport to his native land.
How he managed to turn the failure of the court into his victory? How he managed to turn all odds against him in his favour? Could he have been stopped?
"The Trial of Adolf Hitler" by David King is comprehensively written book that answers numerous questions supported by well-researched facts. It is a must-read for all those who are interested in perceiving the rise of the Adolf Hitler and Nazi Party.
How he managed to turn the failure of the court into his victory? How he managed to turn all odds against him in his favour? Could he have been stopped?
"The Trial of Adolf Hitler" by David King is comprehensively written book that answers numerous questions supported by well-researched facts. It is a must-read for all those who are interested in perceiving the rise of the Adolf Hitler and Nazi Party.
December 14, 2017
David King's book on French mass murderer Dr Petiot -- not quite Dr Finlay nor Dr Marcus Welby -- was outstanding and this one is too. Drawing on newspapers from all round the world provides an interesting insight and early assessment of Hitler and also highlights how being already on probation he should have been banged up and deported to Austria at the end of his sentence. The Austrians had the good taste to reject him though for history's sake it is a shame they weren't pressured into doing so. Instead the corporal outperformed his master General Ludendorff, whose mainaical conspiracy theories at the time were more outlandish than Hitler's. Allowed free rein by a judge who sympathised with his far right views -- indeed who had been the judge in his first trial and knew about his being on probation -- he took to his stage brilliantly and instead of being cowed ot subdued by a more prepossessing judge launched himself onto the world stage in a manner in which his pathetic putsch and indeed his own performance that day would have left him ridiculed. This is very much a what if moment in history and sadly as superbly borne out by King's book one that had catastrophic global consequences.
October 12, 2021
King was writing this book before Trump was elected. Now, as he departed in shame, I find that this book presages what his people had hoped to accomplish on January 6th. I'm 60 pages in and loving it
Now, having long finished it I find myself deeply concerned by re re-emergence of Donald Trump. One might have thought that the failure of the beer hall putsch and his time in jail would have finished Hitler. It didn't.
One might have thought that the obvious loss of the 2020 election, the encouragement of the January 6 insurrection, and the constant, continuing lying by Donald Trump would have finished him. But it hasn't.
I had been heartened by the apparent strength of our democratic republic but I have become increasingly concerned by the "return of the charlatan" in Iowa.
Now, in the 2020s, there seems to be some sort of dissonant echo of Germany of the 1920s
Now, having long finished it I find myself deeply concerned by re re-emergence of Donald Trump. One might have thought that the failure of the beer hall putsch and his time in jail would have finished Hitler. It didn't.
One might have thought that the obvious loss of the 2020 election, the encouragement of the January 6 insurrection, and the constant, continuing lying by Donald Trump would have finished him. But it hasn't.
I had been heartened by the apparent strength of our democratic republic but I have become increasingly concerned by the "return of the charlatan" in Iowa.
Now, in the 2020s, there seems to be some sort of dissonant echo of Germany of the 1920s
October 30, 2018
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2024
Adolf Hitler's attempt to overthrow Germany's Weimar Republic on 8-9 November 1923 was a turning point in history, not for what it accomplished but what the subsequent trial would do for the future dictator. An obscure rabble rouser in Munich had suddenly, as the result of an ill-planned coup attempt, gained a national and international profile. Hitler would use his trial to defend his actions and promote his goal of a racially-defined nationalist dictatorship. Hitler would now also see himself as the future dictator, rather than a "drummer" for some other figure as he previously asserted.
David King's book first retells the story of the Putsch with remarkable detail, minute by minute at times, as Hitler stormed the Bürgerbräukeller with his men, declaring the Weimar Republic overthrown, and seizing members of the Bavarian political establishment. As the Nazis made moves elsewhere in Munich, those opposed to a coup- and those opposed to this particular coup- took counter moves. King does a great job of profiling the various personalities and their place in the turbulent politics of Bavaria and Germany in the early aftermath of the First World War. He devotes a lot of time to discussing the involvement of Bavaria's ruling "Triumvirate": State Commissioner Gustav Ritter von Kahr, state police chief Colonel Hans Ritter von Seisser, and Reichswehr General Otto von Lossow. All far-right nationalists opposed to democracy, they broadly supported a nationalist revolution, but how far they willingly took part in the events of the night of 8 November is unclear.
The second half of the book recounts the trial of Hitler and others (including General Erich Ludendorff) for high treason. Hitler's defense was aided immeasurably by the judge, Georg Neithardt, a far-right nationalist sympathetic to the Putschists aims, if not their specific actions. The book ends with a discussion of the brief, fairly comfortable time Hitler spent in prison reading, meeting with supporters, and writing Mein Kampf. He only served a mere 8 and half months of a 5 year term; a sentence that was the very minimum the court could have imposed.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the early history of the Nazi movement and the political environment which enabled, even facilitated, Hitler's rise to power.
David King's book first retells the story of the Putsch with remarkable detail, minute by minute at times, as Hitler stormed the Bürgerbräukeller with his men, declaring the Weimar Republic overthrown, and seizing members of the Bavarian political establishment. As the Nazis made moves elsewhere in Munich, those opposed to a coup- and those opposed to this particular coup- took counter moves. King does a great job of profiling the various personalities and their place in the turbulent politics of Bavaria and Germany in the early aftermath of the First World War. He devotes a lot of time to discussing the involvement of Bavaria's ruling "Triumvirate": State Commissioner Gustav Ritter von Kahr, state police chief Colonel Hans Ritter von Seisser, and Reichswehr General Otto von Lossow. All far-right nationalists opposed to democracy, they broadly supported a nationalist revolution, but how far they willingly took part in the events of the night of 8 November is unclear.
The second half of the book recounts the trial of Hitler and others (including General Erich Ludendorff) for high treason. Hitler's defense was aided immeasurably by the judge, Georg Neithardt, a far-right nationalist sympathetic to the Putschists aims, if not their specific actions. The book ends with a discussion of the brief, fairly comfortable time Hitler spent in prison reading, meeting with supporters, and writing Mein Kampf. He only served a mere 8 and half months of a 5 year term; a sentence that was the very minimum the court could have imposed.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the early history of the Nazi movement and the political environment which enabled, even facilitated, Hitler's rise to power.
March 22, 2018
This is a good book. It has been written in quite the racy manner, and this does make it fairly easy to read.
Is it authoritative ? I am not quite the expert to comment on that. One reviewer did mention that David King did not cover Hitler's relationship with some of the other members of the Nazi party, particularly those of a somewhat sexual nature. However, I don't think that this was the subject of the book.
The trial itself has been covered quite well, and the absolute travesty of justice has been revealed well. He does mention that Geli Raubal was Hitler's mistress, however, other books don't imply this. Also, other books say that Hitler was vegetarian, which is at variance with what David King seems to imply. I point these out merely to ask - which version is accurate? If indeed it is shown that David King's was inaccurate, then it may cast some doubts on the scholarship of the book
However, does it reveal the essential facts, or story, of the proceedings? Yes
Does the book clearly highlight the importance of this botched trial in helping Hitler's rise to fame and power? Yes
So, if the book is to be judged on these questions, he has done an admirable job indeed.
Is it authoritative ? I am not quite the expert to comment on that. One reviewer did mention that David King did not cover Hitler's relationship with some of the other members of the Nazi party, particularly those of a somewhat sexual nature. However, I don't think that this was the subject of the book.
The trial itself has been covered quite well, and the absolute travesty of justice has been revealed well. He does mention that Geli Raubal was Hitler's mistress, however, other books don't imply this. Also, other books say that Hitler was vegetarian, which is at variance with what David King seems to imply. I point these out merely to ask - which version is accurate? If indeed it is shown that David King's was inaccurate, then it may cast some doubts on the scholarship of the book
However, does it reveal the essential facts, or story, of the proceedings? Yes
Does the book clearly highlight the importance of this botched trial in helping Hitler's rise to fame and power? Yes
So, if the book is to be judged on these questions, he has done an admirable job indeed.
November 29, 2019
The research is exceptional and the writing is brisk, making this book worthwhile to read and offering illuminating insights into how Hitler would use mass media to manipulate a democratic system to rise to power.
However, author David King clearly wants us to take a larger lesson from this often overlooked event and frames the issue around what should have happened during the trail and why a democratic legal system failed to mete out justice to the leader of what was little more than a fatal riot, not a political movement—at least not then.
Readers can judge for themselves based on King's evidence the relevance of this event to breakdowns in democratic systems today, but one striking theme recurs repeatedly, a failure of those in the justice system to uphold the rule of law. There are many explanations, too many monarchists who didn’t respect the Weimar constitution, too many Bavarians resenting their loss of autonomy to Berlin and (as the trail dragged on) nationalists who found Hitler's rhetoric inspiring, but whatever the reason, both the prosecution and conduct of this trial was a botched job.
However, author David King clearly wants us to take a larger lesson from this often overlooked event and frames the issue around what should have happened during the trail and why a democratic legal system failed to mete out justice to the leader of what was little more than a fatal riot, not a political movement—at least not then.
Readers can judge for themselves based on King's evidence the relevance of this event to breakdowns in democratic systems today, but one striking theme recurs repeatedly, a failure of those in the justice system to uphold the rule of law. There are many explanations, too many monarchists who didn’t respect the Weimar constitution, too many Bavarians resenting their loss of autonomy to Berlin and (as the trail dragged on) nationalists who found Hitler's rhetoric inspiring, but whatever the reason, both the prosecution and conduct of this trial was a botched job.
August 17, 2024
What a fantastic book! I was skeptical at first, thinking how can this fleeting incident in the life of the worst man to have existed in the 20th century provide more than a cursory look into his life and more importantly, the impact he had on the world? I was very surprised. This book sets the stage for early 20th century politics and Germany's part in it; their views, what was hidden from them and their belief systems. Once you understand how the Treaty of Versailles created such an impossible situation for Germany to maintain a healthy and stable economy, you can understand their resentment and willingness to accept even the most extremist views. You also see the highly manipulative nature of Hitler's ambitions and growth as an icon in both his own mind and the eyes of his people. It's at this point, that you realize how willingly they accepted, even downright adored him, given their alternatives. Without the beerhall putsch, his capture, trial and opportunity to be viewed on the world stage as a martyr because of it, Hitler may have never come to power. I highly recommend this book. It was extremely insightful.
September 18, 2025
Terrifying book on the power of propaganda, angry citizens willing to turn the blame against others, and the ability for a commanding personality to get desperate people to follow them despite violent efforts. This well documented book demonstrates how poorly Hitler, and his clan executed their attempt to take over the country and how Judge Georg Neithardt’s poor judgement and probably sympathy allowed Hitler to use his crime as a way to build his political life; under law, Hitler should have been banished from Germany and possibly even received the death penalty. Instead, he was sent to a special, larger jail cell with special privileges. He wrote much of his famous, antisemitic book while held up in the cell for a much shorter time he should have served.
The reader is taken step by step through the putsch where Hitler and his crew held public officials hostage and shot up the place. One would have to wonder what would happen if Hitler’s bodyguard had not shield Hitler from a bullet.
This book provides plenty of details yet reads quickly. It is well researched and leaves the reader with the question: What if?
The reader is taken step by step through the putsch where Hitler and his crew held public officials hostage and shot up the place. One would have to wonder what would happen if Hitler’s bodyguard had not shield Hitler from a bullet.
This book provides plenty of details yet reads quickly. It is well researched and leaves the reader with the question: What if?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2018
This is an excellently written book about the failed Munich Beer Hall Putsch of November 1923. Adolf Hitler attempts to stage a takeover of government, but ends up in hiding, then on trial. His short term in jail does nothing to deter him and after his release, he is firmly on the path to establishing the Nazi party as a credible political force.
This is a fascinating glimpse into life in Germany at the time and it is terrifying how much influence the far right were gaining as a result of dissatisfaction with the ruling Weimar government. The fact that justice was not served and Hitler was able to garner so much sympathy and support is a damning indictment of society at the time. Very interesting to read about the people who went on to become major figures in the Nazi party, this book is an excellent read if you have an interest in the rise of the Nazis and the run up to the Second World War. I would highly recommend this.
This is a fascinating glimpse into life in Germany at the time and it is terrifying how much influence the far right were gaining as a result of dissatisfaction with the ruling Weimar government. The fact that justice was not served and Hitler was able to garner so much sympathy and support is a damning indictment of society at the time. Very interesting to read about the people who went on to become major figures in the Nazi party, this book is an excellent read if you have an interest in the rise of the Nazis and the run up to the Second World War. I would highly recommend this.
August 17, 2025
A very interesting retail of the trial that Adolf Hitler went through in his first attempt to take the government. A story not well known to many others. A younger Hitler, who had already founded the Nazi party and, with the support of many extreme right parties, decided to do a coup d'état in Munich, in a brewery pub. The attempt failed with many circumstances taking part in the outcome of this event. The book goes through these events, all the people who participated, and then a long tell of the trial itself. Although interesting, you have to be very interested in this part of the story to not fall a bit bored with the very specific details of the trial. Nonetheless, it was an excellent opportunity to know about this part of this story and get a sense of the events that happened that led the people in Germany to support this character, also to understand what led this simple man to be one of the most despised men in history.
November 13, 2017
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I thought the first section which details the events of the Beer Hall Putsch was a little slow. However, the section dealing with the trial completely made up for it. What an absolute farce that one. The German nation is at fault for allowing the trial to be held in Munich. The judge is at fault for being biased and not maintaining order in his courtroom. Germany is again at fault for sentencing the conspirators to such light punishments.
Hitler could have been stopped. He wasn't. And we are still learning from the hellish world that he created.
I do recommend this book. It reads like a thriller and is clearly intended for the general public. Some of the more scholarly minded readers may feel that this book is too simplified, but keep in mind that the target audience is not you.
Hitler could have been stopped. He wasn't. And we are still learning from the hellish world that he created.
I do recommend this book. It reads like a thriller and is clearly intended for the general public. Some of the more scholarly minded readers may feel that this book is too simplified, but keep in mind that the target audience is not you.
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