For those familiar with World War II history, they must know about the Munich Beer Hall Putsch, a significant event that had far-reaching implications for Hitler, the Nazi Party, and Germany as a whole.
At the end of September 1923, Hans von Finkenstein returned to Germany after being away for over half a year.
Over the past two years, the Schneider Shipyard had gradually stabilized, but the business of Eagle Aviation and All-American Coffee still required much of his attention. Therefore, he could only afford to visit Europe once or twice a year, mainly focusing on dealing with technical cooperation matters with the Bremen-Vegesack Shipyard and Krupp, purchasing some military equipment from the black market in Bremen and Hamburg, visiting old friends in Munich, and only then managing to squeeze in some time to meet Anna in Denmark.
Although Anna's mother had received good care in the past two years and her health had improved significantly, the deep-seated problems from before, coupled with her advancing age, still caused occasional setbacks in her health. Because of this, Hans and Anna could only continue their long-distance relationship for the time being.
Since Eduard, under the alias "Hans Lomest," returned to Germany and submitted a detailed analysis report about Hans von Finkenstein, Little Whiskers' suspicions about Hans had at least diminished on the surface. Every time they met, Hans still brought him a modest amount of "overseas donations," and Little Whiskers always treated him as a close confidant, warmly introducing him to various people in his circle.
During these two years, the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) developed and expanded at an astonishing speed. Starting from 1921, they moved into a more spacious hotel as their headquarters. Every time Hans visited, he could see many new faces, and at Hitler's table, more and more "historical figures" began to appear:
Dietrich Eckart, the so-called "spiritual founder of National Socialism"; Max Amann, Hitler's sergeant during his service in the List Regiment, now the party's general manager and manager of the People's Observer newspaper; Alfred Rosenberg, born in Tsarist Russia to German parents, emigrated to Germany to escape the October Revolution, "philosopher extraordinaire" in Hitler's eyes, one of the main ideological architects of the Nazis; Schubert Richter, a "refugee" of German descent who fled from the Baltic States, Rosenberg's close friend, a relatively mysterious figure with connections to the German business and upper-class society, now one of Hitler's chief advisors; Rudolf Hess, working in Hitler's party office since 1921, Little Whiskers' personal secretary, not of high rank but highly appreciated by Little Whiskers; Hermann Göring, joined the Nazi Party in 1922, from the beginning of his membership, he went to Hitler's place every day to participate in activities, his fervent work ethic was in line with Little Whiskers', and with his outstanding abilities, he quickly earned the appreciation of the Führer and was appointed the leader of the Stormtroopers that year; Ernst Hanfstaengl, an unusually rich young man with an unusual background, his mother came from an American aristocratic family, while he himself lived in Bavaria for a long time, now a close friend of Little Whiskers, his place was Little Whiskers' favorite place to visit, and his daughter affectionately called him "Uncle Adolf"; in addition, there were Little Whiskers' trusted advisors Hermann Esser, fervent nationalist Kurt Ludecke, former horse dealer and bar bouncer Christian Weber, passionate anti-Semite and also a sadist and philanderer Julius Streicher, and so on.
These people gathered around Hitler were of various backgrounds, and his movement embraced all levels of society, thus attracting all kinds of people - intellectuals, street fighters, eccentrics, idealists, vagrants, mercenary captains, disciplined and undisciplined, laborers, and nobles. There were polite ones and cruel ones, rogues and kind-hearted individuals. There were writers, painters, day laborers, shopkeepers, dentists, students, soldiers, and even priests. His charm was extensive, and he was open-minded, tolerating drug users like Eckart and accommodating homosexuals like Rohm. For many, he was everything, and he was always ready to embrace those who fought faithfully against Jewish Marxism and for Germany's revival.
What delighted Hans the most was his close friend Eduard. After his journey to America and bringing back over $1,500 in political donations, this young man under the alias "Hans Lomest" received a promotion from Hitler. In 1921, he was appointed as the office manager of the NSDAP headquarters, and after the establishment of the Stormtroopers, he also served as the logistics commissioner of the Stormtroopers. His luck might not have been extraordinary, but his position within the NSDAP was relatively stable.
After disembarking at the port of Bremen, Hans met with representatives from the Vegesack Shipyard and Sekendorf, learning that the German mark was collapsing just as history described: on the day of the French occupation of the Ruhr in January, the mark fell to 18,000 against the dollar, by July 1st, it fell to 160,000, and by August 1st, it was 1 million, with the ratio still rising rapidly, showing a trend of creating historical records.
In such a social context, the German currency became almost worthless paper, and the purchasing power of wages approached zero. The savings of the middle class and the working class were wiped out, but more importantly, the German people lost trust in the country's social and economic structure.
Studying economic cases, Hans also understood this historical period - instead of taking responsibility for the rapid devaluation of the mark, the German government, under the instigation of industrialists and landowners, intentionally let the mark collapse, allowing the country to evade public debt and reparations. This benefited the industrialists and landowners, but the people suffered economically. Furthermore, currency devaluation allowed Germany's heavy industry to repay debts with virtually worthless marks.
The German General Staff, disguised as a military office to evade the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, also noted that the devaluation of the mark cleared war debts, making Germany financially unburdened and military rearmament imminent.
However, the general populace did not know how much benefit the industrial giants, the army, and the state derived from the devaluation of the currency. They only knew that large bank deposits could only buy a few carrots, potatoes, a bit of sugar, or a pound of flour. They knew they were bankrupt as individuals, and they knew the feeling of hunger. In their pain and despair, they regarded the Republic as the scapegoat for all these sins.
Before the United States, Britain, and other countries provided large loans to Germany, Hans's dollars were undoubtedly needed by the Vegesack Shipyard to purchase equipment and maintain operations. After several days of negotiation, Sekendorf decided to transfer the technology for building light ships such as patrol boats, torpedo boats, and gunboats to the Schneider Shipyard according to the agreement they signed in 1919, and promised to secretly sell the G7 torpedo manufacturing technology for $25,000 - including technical drawings, some equipment, and a small group of experts. This torpedo was the most widely used, most powerful, and most reliable torpedo used by German submarines during World War I. As a former submarine commander, Hans knew the value of this torpedo, and it could be said that the torpedo technology of the German Navy in World War II was developed based on it.
After handling these matters, Hans boarded a southbound train. When he set foot on Bavarian soil once again, he found that the atmosphere here was much more intense than before.
Indeed, this autumn, the conflict between the Berlin government and the Bavarian right-wing government reached an unprecedented intensity. On September 26th, Prime Minister Gustav Stresemann of the Berlin government announced that Germany would abandon resistance in the Ruhr and resume payment of war reparations. This decision by the Berlin government once again caused chaos domestically, and for those Germans with strong nationalist sentiments, this act undoubtedly hurt their feelings. The cries of "down with the traitors to the Fatherland" and "down with the November criminals" were even louder in Bavaria!
"Hans, your return is just in time!"
As soon as he saw Hans, Little Whiskers embraced him with unbelievable enthusiasm and led him to his office.
Haino, I don't know if you've noticed, but Bavaria is now filled with the spirit of revolution everywhere! The opportunity we've been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived, and soon we'll be able to realize our great ideals! In November, the government and president of the November Criminals will be ousted, and we will have a new government, let Versailles and the treaty go to hell!
Hitler used "we" repeatedly, evidently treating Zhang Haino as one of his closest confidants, at least in words.
Unfortunately, this former submarine commander who deliberately concealed his true experiences, the boldest and luckiest planner and leader of the most audacious plan in history, didn't share much in common with Hitler in terms of ideals. One was arrogantly trying to dominate the world, while the other was trying to prevent the tragic fate of the German Navy in World War II from repeating itself here.
Facing the emotionally charged little mustache, Zhang Haino forced out some smiles, insincerely praising, "Yes, my dear Fuhrer, all of this is wonderful indeed!"
Since July 1921, Zhang Haino had been referred to as "Fuhrer" by members of the National Socialist Party. Today, Hitler was already the sole leader and absolute dictator of the National Socialist Party.
Although Hitler liked to express his opinions, he didn't ignore the expressions of those around him. He clearly noticed the unnatural smile on Zhang Haino's face and asked, "Haino, my most trusted friend, has our overseas fundraising run into any trouble?"
This guy still cared about his "overseas fundraising," and Zhang Haino didn't find that surprising. This time, he still took out several books from his briefcase, which, as before, were filled with US dollar bills.
"Exactly $4,000, of which $2,000 is provided by my boss, who has great confidence in you and the National Socialist Party! $1,200 comes from a Jewish businessman who owns an antique shop in New York. He believes that Germany should be saved! The remaining $800 is from donations from some other friends, plus my salary from the past seven months!"
Zhang Haino handed the book containing the money to Adolf Hitler, while secretly observing his expression.
$4,000 was undoubtedly a reliable and substantial amount of money in Germany amidst the rapid devaluation of the Mark. It was also the largest amount of "overseas donations" he had brought back in a single trip in the past two years. Although this money greatly excited the little mustache, when he heard that some of it came from a Jewish businessman, his eyes still revealed a deep disdain and contempt.
"A Jewish antique dealer? Haino, I've said we don't need the money of those despicable Jews. Their money is all stolen from excellent Germans. We'll settle accounts with them sooner or later!"
Hitler said angrily, but looking at the US dollar bills in his hand, he didn't seem to intend to pick out that $1,200 and return it to Zhang Haino. Soon, he put the money into a sturdy safe, then walked over to Zhang Haino and took his arm, "Haino, is that what's been bothering you? Don't worry, although Jewish money is filthy, it's all owed to us!"
"No, my dear Fuhrer!" Zhang Haino looked sincerely at the Austrian corporal who was half a head shorter than himself, "I have always had a feeling that the conditions for revolution seem not yet ripe!"
"Oh?" Although this somewhat dampened Hitler's spirits, the large sum of dollars he had just received made him unusually magnanimous. He said with a smile, "Tell me your thoughts!"
"If I'm not mistaken, my dear Fuhrer, you must want to learn from the experience of the Italians who successfully seized power a year ago!"
Zhang Haino referred to the Italians who had recently seized power by marching on Rome to overthrow the Italian government. Historically, Hitler did indeed have such thoughts—to unite all anti-republican nationalist forces in Bavaria under his leadership, and then lead a march to Berlin with the support of the Bavarian government, armed groups, and the National Defense Force stationed in Bavaria, in order to overthrow the Weimar Republic.
Hitler apparently didn't expect Zhang Haino, who had never shown much interest in politics, to say such a thing. He didn't deny it but instead asked, "Do you think our following the Italians' path won't work? Why?"
Zhang Haino shrugged, "Sorry, my dear Fuhrer! I just think that two different countries lack comparability in their national conditions. The path that worked for the Italians may not necessarily work for Germany! If I have to give a specific reason, then I can only say that the Berlin government's power is still much stronger than ours!"
These words made Hitler ponder for a long time. Actually, at this moment, Zhang Haino was somewhat worried that he would abandon the plan to launch the Beer Hall Putsch—if not for this failure and the subsequent months of imprisonment, he wouldn't have comprehended those deeper things or had his work "My Struggle" published, and the future development of both him personally and the National Socialist Party would be unpredictable!
However, such worries were evidently unnecessary. The current situation was that nationalist groups from all over southern Germany had already gathered under the banner of the "German Fighting People's Union," led by Adolf Hitler, the sole leader of the party, with his intimate advisor, Rudolf Hess, serving as the secretary-general of this union. General Rudolf Rundstedt, who had served as Deputy Chief of the German General Staff during World War I, openly expressed support for Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist Party, while the Bavarian government, which enjoyed considerable autonomy, was dissatisfied with the policies of the Berlin government and was intending to leverage the power of nationalist elements to launch a march on "Berlin." In Hitler's eyes, this was an excellent and rare opportunity. If a single sentence from Zhang Haino could change his mind, then he wouldn't be Adolf Hitler.
Finally, when Hitler raised his head again, his face had regained its previous confidence.
"Haino, although your words are not unreasonable, they seem too conservative! You must know that throughout history, revolutionaries have often faced enemies many times stronger than themselves, but we cannot be deterred by these superficial phenomena! The current Berlin government has lost the support of the people and the army. As long as we issue the call for revolution, the whole of Germany will rise up to support us! When we establish a new government, Haino, I promise to let you return to the navy and become an important naval commander. Trust me!"
This was the first time Hitler had mentioned returning to the navy in front of him. Naturally, Zhang Haino had to show a deep sense of gratitude. If it were in Chinese, he would probably say something like "Thank you for nurturing me."
After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Haino said firmly:
"If the esteemed Fuhrer decides to save through a great revolution, then Haino von Finkenstein will do his utmost to assist!"
"Good, very good!" Hitler was very satisfied with this answer. "The money you brought back this time is the best help for us! We need this money to arm ourselves, to strengthen our party, and to enhance the reliable friendship with other allies in the German Fighting People's Union!"
At noon that day, to express his gratitude, Hitler invited Zhang Haino to lunch together, and among those present were the current mainstay of the National Socialist Party—compared to food, these people were what Zhang Haino truly cared about.
Among this group, the most eye-catching was Rudolf Hess, the future Deputy Fuhrer of the Third Reich. His facial features were very distinct; once seen in a photo, one would hardly forget him: square face, thick eyebrows, and deep eyes, typical Teutonic nose, and a wide mouth matching his face. Just with this face, one would think he belonged to a powerful giant, but in fact, although he was burly, he was far from reaching the standard of a giant. He was in his prime, humble yet not arbitrary, although he had fought bravely on the battlefield and in the streets, his award-winning papers also had a bloody flavor, but he was far from a bloodthirsty person. He loved books and music more than intense debates, but one could still see him engaging in lively discussions in beer halls.
Ernst Röhm, still chubby and round, with neatly trimmed hair, was very amusing when he smiled, and his small eyes were always rolling, which made Zhang Haino curious. This dangerous homosexual was considered a model officer by his comrades, a comrade who could be trusted in danger.
Dietrich Eckart, the one who looked frail and sickly, was more interesting. He wandered, drank, and used drugs, and then wandered into mental hospitals. However, Eckart had Eckart's way of life and ability. He played a big role in Hitler's rise to power, was good at swaying people's hearts in speeches, and was a romantic revolutionary who excelled in pub debates. If given the opportunity to speak, whether at home, on the street, or in cafes, he would be eloquent and excellent. He not only gave Hitler a greatcoat but also corrected his grammar, took him to high-class restaurants and cafes, and introduced him to celebrities and writers. The two often talked about music, literature, art, and politics for hours.
Alfred Rosenberg, the main theorist of the Nazis, had a significant influence on Hitler, but he was very young, and only his angular face gave people a sense of deep old age, while his deep green eyes had a mysterious feel that was hard to fathom.
Ernst Hanfstaengl, standing at 6 feet 4 inches, looked like a gentleman with his cultured appearance, and one would think he belonged to a prominent family. It was said that two of his ancestors were generals during the Civil War, and one even served as a pallbearer for Lincoln. In the Hanfstaengl family, two generations had served as Privy Councilors in the Duchy of Saxony-Coburg and Gotha, and they were also connoisseurs and patrons of art. This family owned its own art publishing house in Munich and was famous for its exquisite art reproductions. Hanfstaengl himself grew up in an environment of art and music. His family was a meeting place for people like Hjalmar Schacht, William Bush, Richard Strauss, Felix Mendelssohn, William Buckhaus, Fritz von Bose, and Mark Twain. His own piano playing was very graceful, and he later composed several marches for the Stormtroopers and adapted Harvard's "Fight, Fight, Fight" into "Hail, Hail."
Hermann Esser, a slender middle-aged man known for his fondness for women, gained notoriety as Hitler referred to him as a "hound that must be kept on a leash." After becoming one of Hitler's closest advisors, he often chaired many public gatherings of the Nazi Party.
Max Amann, short in stature but rough in speech, exuded a fierce demeanor akin to Röhm. Skilled in organizational work, he served as the General Manager of the People's Observer Newspaper, alongside his role as the Party's Chief of Administration.
Hermann Göring, a former ace pilot, retained a lean physique and a youthful air despite his experience. Donning the brown uniform of the Stormtroopers, he wore a band with the party's emblem on his left arm. Although he had only been with the Nazi Party for a little over a year, his enthusiasm and capability had earned him Hitler's admiration. However, his frivolous and ostentatious nature sometimes repelled others.
Lastly, there was "Hans Lommeste", Zhang Haino's close friend Edwin. Having spent over two years navigating the treacherous waters of the party, he made progress in various aspects but still lacked the ruthlessness and cunning required. Therefore, when Hitler considered candidates for the leadership of the Stormtroopers, he ranked below figures like Göring. Currently, he served as a logistics officer of the Nazi Party, overseeing matters related to the Stormtroopers' equipment and supplies.
When it came to dining etiquette, there was a stark difference between the leader of the Nazi Party and the future Emperor of the Reich—while the former would stand up to serve a subordinate if a waiter first offered him a plate, engaging in casual conversation before eventually indulging in banter, often with a touch of lewdness.
Many years later, when the "Great Emperor" droned on endlessly with tiresome and insubstantial conversation during dinner, old Nazi Party members couldn't help but reminisce about the delightful times they had shared with the former leader. Dining with the Emperor had become more of a ceremonial honor, albeit one that came at the cost of enduring hours of torment to the ears.
The cuisine at this restaurant was quite palatable, offering a much more diverse array of dishes compared to those available in 1918.
After everyone had their fill, Hitler resumed speaking, shifting the topic to the difficulties currently faced by the Nazi Party—despite receiving support from numerous capitalists, financial woes persisted. The People's Observer Newspaper was hemorrhaging money, and while Max Amann managed to mitigate some of the losses, expenses remained high. In a bid to attract more party members, they often provided free beer and sausages at public gatherings, which proved to be a costly affair. Furthermore, although the Bavarian military provided free instructors for military training, the expenses for the thousands-strong Stormtroopers still mounted in various aspects such as food, clothing, equipment, and accommodation.
As Hitler concluded his lengthy speech, he launched into a tirade against wealthy Jewish businessmen, labeling them as accomplices of the November Criminals, traitors, and despicable speculators. He accused them of not only betraying Germany but also exploiting the German people during their most difficult times.
Following the lengthy address, Hitler had an impromptu idea and called for Heinrich Hoffmann, his recently appointed official photographer, to join them. Interestingly, Hitler had previously shown little interest in photography, but after a photograph taken by the limp-legged photographer was published in a newspaper, he realized its potential as a means to propagate his image and the ideology of the Nazi Party. Thus, he allowed Hoffmann to take photographs of him, a habit that would persist until the end.
In the group photograph, Hitler stood at the center, flanked by five guards on each side, including his stalwarts like Rudolf Hess, Hermann Göring, Ernst Röhm, and Zhang Haino's friend, Edwin. Among these eleven individuals, some would soon be forgotten by history, while others were destined to leave a significant mark on the world—Adolf Hitler, Rudolf Hess, Hermann Göring, Ernst Röhm, and Haino von Finkenstein, alongside Hans Lommeste.