As the formation of the Great German Party by Akado was taking place, a fervent gathering was underway in a Munich office building. Adolf Hitler, addressing a crowd of devoted Nazi followers, spoke with impassioned fervor: "Gentlemen! To battle for the freedom of the German people! To reawaken the spirit of the German nation! The Nazi Party has revised its platform! From this moment, the Nazi Party dedicates itself to serving the impoverished, to addressing the needs of the German populace, and to the struggle against Jews across Germany. I thank you all for your unwavering support!"
After a wave of applause subsided, Hitler, with arms raised, continued, "Therefore, everyone must familiarize themselves with our platform! Allow me to thoroughly introduce the contents of our party platform! Firstly, we demand the right to unite all Germans within a great German Reich, founded upon the principle of national self-determination. Secondly, we demand that the German nation be granted equal rights with other nations and call for the abolition of the Treaties of Versailles and Saint-Germain. Thirdly, we insist upon sufficient territory and colonies to sustain our people and to settle our surplus population."
"Fourthly, only those of German blood may be citizens of Germany; any person of German descent can become a national, regardless of their occupation. Hence, Jews cannot be German citizens. Fifthly, all non-German residents must be regarded as foreigners and governed by laws applicable to aliens."
"Sixthly, only citizens can determine the leadership and laws of the German state. Consequently, we demand that all public offices, whether federal, state, or municipal, be occupied solely by German citizens. We oppose the parliamentary system, as it serves party interests over those of the nation, appointing officials without regard to their moral character or capabilities."
"Seventh, we demand that the state prioritize providing employment and livelihood for its citizens. If it cannot support all its people, it must expel foreign elements. Eighth, we prohibit non-Germans from immigrating to Germany and demand the deportation of all non-Germans who entered after August 2, 1941."
"Ninth, all German citizens shall possess equal rights and duties. Tenth, the primary obligation of every citizen is to engage in work, either physical or intellectual. Individual activities must not conflict with the communal good but should contribute to it. Therefore, we demand the suppression of unearned income and the abolition of interest slavery."
"Twelfth, considering the immense sacrifices of life and property each war demands, profiteering from war is a crime against the people, and we demand the total confiscation of all war profits. Thirteenth, we call for the nationalization of all trusts. Fourteenth, we demand profit-sharing in large enterprises."
"Fifteenth, we demand significant improvements in elderly care. Sixteenth, we seek to establish and maintain a robust middle class, demand the nationalization of large department stores, and advocate for state support of small industrial and commercial enterprises in their procurement practices."
"Seventeenth, we call for a land reform suitable for our national needs, including the confiscation of land for public use without compensation, the abolition of land rent, and the cessation of land speculation. Eighteenth, we demand severe penalties for those who endanger the public welfare; this includes the death penalty for perpetrators of grave racial crimes, usurers, and speculators, regardless of their creed or ethnicity."
"Nineteenth, we insist on the replacement of Roman Catholic educational materials, which serve a materialistic world order, with German ones. Twentieth, to enable capable and industrious Germans to ascend to higher education and leadership roles, we demand educational reform. Education at all levels must be practical and instill national pride from an early age."
"Twenty-first, the state must protect mothers and children, outlaw child labor, promote physical fitness through legislation supporting sports, and back organizations that enhance youth health. Twenty-second, we demand the abolition of mercenary troops and the establishment of a national army."
"Twenty-third, we call for laws to prevent the spread of malicious political rumors and their propagation in the press. German newspapers must be staffed by German citizens and non-German publications should only circulate with special permission and not be printed in German. Financial involvement by non-Germans in German newspapers must be prohibited by law, with severe penalties for violations."
"Twenty-fourth, we acknowledge the freedom of all religions within limits that do not threaten the state or contravene German morals and traditions. While advocating for a proactive Christianity, our party remains unbound to any denomination, opposing Jewish materialism both domestically and internationally."
"Finally, twenty-fifth, we demand the establishment of a strong centralized government within the Federation to fully realize these goals. The central government and its Congress should wield absolute authority over the nation and its various organs. To enforce these laws, we will create professional bodies."
The room erupted in applause once more, and after it died down, Adolf Hitler, looking out over the excited crowd before him with a sense of pride, allowed a smile to play across his lips. "Victory! Long live!" he proclaimed. The Nazi Party, armed with its newly defined program, was poised to take a decisive step forward. Under this guidance, they believed they could conquer all of Germany.
As the crowd chanted, "Victory! Long live!" Hitler, with arms still raised, rallied his followers once more: "We aim to overthrow the Bavarian government! We demand the realization of our program! Germany will be revitalized through our efforts! Tomorrow, we take up arms for our sacred cause in a desperate struggle—we are poised to seize the reins of power in Bavaria!"
"God, an armed rebellion? Can this really work?" murmured some members of the Nazi Party, their initial enthusiasm dampened by the reality of the proposed violent uprising. Despite their fervent support for Hitler's vision, the prospect of risking their lives was another matter entirely.
Sensing the unease among his followers, Hitler gestured to his side. Former police chief Bona approached the podium and announced triumphantly, "Gentlemen! Mr. Hitler and I have persuaded key police officials—they are on our side! We have also secured the support of most government officials!"
The crowd, reinvigorated by this revelation, began to buzz with renewed excitement. "Fantastic! When else could we have such an opportunity? Let's make a bold move!"
"Yes! We must act!" Seeing the renewed fervor in the room, Hitler smiled smugly. He had succeeded in rallying his followers once again.
Meanwhile, since the establishment of the Grand German Party, Akado was busier than ever. Just two days after its inception, Foreign Minister Gustav Stresemann sent 37 foreign officials to join the party. The National Defense Force saw 972 applications, mostly from junior officers and grassroots leaders. The response from the business community was lukewarm, as Akado had persuaded Krupp to encourage his peers to alleviate labor pressures and temporarily reduce capitalist profits, leading to a tepid reception among businessmen.
Akado understood that this was only a temporary setback. As pre-war pipeline production processes and integrated scale production methods became more widespread, industrial profits were bound to increase significantly. He cleverly transformed the tension between businessmen and workers into a capitalist enthusiasm for advanced production technologies. He persuaded Krupp to commission several renowned authors to write a management book. Although such books were uncommon in 1923, Akado knew they would become bestsellers in the 21st century.
Akado aimed to use this management book to win over the capitalist class and solidify his economic influence. On November 17, the Grand German Party received its first application from a high-ranking military official. Commander Renn of the 15th Division swore allegiance to the Grand German Party, securing one of the three Defense Force restructuring divisions around Berlin under Akado's firm control.
On November 18, a destroyer quietly departed from the port of Hamburg, carrying new hope for the German navy. Days earlier, Akado had suggested to President Hindenburg that the National Defense Forces Headquarters approve a naval special operations force of about 450 personnel to be sent to the Netherlands. The Dutch government had allowed this force to train aboard two large submarines as part of a German-Dutch agreement to assist in submarine production.
A 32-year-old navy lieutenant named Karl Dönitz was aboard the destroyer bound for the Netherlands. He had just joined a secretive organization—the Great German Party—the previous day, and was thrilled to discover that his membership had been personally approved by the party chairman, Akado Rudolph. The excitement still caused his hands to tremble.
In recent days, Krupp had grown increasingly impressed by Akado's depth of knowledge. The Krupp factory had tested the defensive capabilities of sloped armor against armor-piercing shells, and the results were highly satisfactory. The sloped armor had successfully caused the fast-moving projectiles to ricochet, a breakthrough that pleased everyone involved in the experiment.
The Bavarian state government had initially scheduled a rally for the evening of November 21st, which saw participation from notable figures in the political and social spheres of Munich. The event, originally planned for November 8th, was postponed due to the sudden death of the President, the succession of President Hindenburg, and the clandestine formation of the Grand German Party—developments that significantly impacted the Bavarian nobility and military. Consequently, the Munich Beer Hall Putsch, also initially slated for November 8th, was rescheduled to coincide with the rally on November 21st.
Among the local dignitaries invited was Adolf Hitler, who found himself inconspicuously squeezed next to a pillar in a corner with fellow Nazi Party members like Max Oman, Rosenborg, and Ulrich Graf. Unnoticed by most, Hitler and his associates blended into the background. The event proceeded uneventfully until twenty minutes into a speech by a local official named Karl, when it was abruptly disrupted. Hermann Goering burst into the hall with 25 armed members of the Nazi Party, throwing the assembly into chaos.
In the ensuing tumult, Hitler swiftly pulled a pistol from his coat, leaped onto a chair with a roar, and fired a shot into the ceiling. He then jumped down, strode to the podium, and declared loudly, "The national revolution has begun." Hitler proclaimed, "This hall is now occupied by 600 heavily armed men. No one is permitted to leave. Both the Bavarian and German governments have been overthrown, and a provisional national government established. The army barracks and police stations are under our control, with forces advancing into the city under the Nazi banner."
The audacity of Hitler's declaration shocked many in the hall. Despite his bold claims, the true extent of his control was a bluff; although, the presence of approximately six hundred Stormtroopers outside and a machine gun positioned at the gate lent some credence to his words. With the cooperation of the former Munich police chief, Bona, and an officer named Flick still stationed at the police department, Hitler had managed to secure a semblance of authority over the hall. Flick was instructed to keep the police from intervening; they were merely to report any incidents while Goering maintained order inside.
With the hall under his control, Hitler directed that Karl, Losov, and Sessel be confined to an adjacent room. Meanwhile, Schborner Richter was dispatched to Ludwigshoehe to fetch General Ludendorff, whom Hitler wanted as the figurehead of his coup.
In the room, an irate Karl confronted Hitler, "What the hell do you want? We are government officials! You have no right to imprison us!" Hitler, with a sneer, brandished his pistol and retorted, "Without my permission, no one leaves this room alive. I have established a new government with Ludendorff that will lead the German people to a great victory!"
Unbeknownst to those in the room, Ludendorff was completely unaware of the unfolding events. Hitler, wielding his pistol, continued, "You have only one choice now: join the uprising!" His manic demeanor visibly frightened Karl and the others.
As Hitler's opponents appeared intimidated and hesitant, his arrogance intensified. He threatened, "This pistol holds four bullets. If you refuse to cooperate, three are for you, and the last is for me." He then pressed the gun to his head and declared, "If I have not succeeded by tomorrow afternoon, I do not want this life."
Karl, however, remained defiant, "You can arrest me or shoot me. I won't die a coward." Sessel stepped forward, accusing Hitler of betrayal, "God! You promised there would be no coup! Now you deceive me and tarnish my reputation!"
Hitler, momentarily taken aback by Sessel's words, admitted, "Yes, I broke my word. Please forgive me. But it is for the fatherland." Before he could further justify his actions, he noticed Karl whispering to a silent Losov and abruptly shouted, "No talking without my permission!"
As the coup teetered on the brink of failure, Hitler had no choice but to leave the room and address the hall, falsely announcing, "The three men have agreed to form a new German government with me, and the Bavarian cabinet has resigned." His proclamation was met with cheers.
He then proposed, "The new Bavarian government will consist of a regent and a prime minister with dictatorial powers. I nominate Mr. von Kahr as the regent and Mr. Bona as the Prime Minister." Despite the lack of support from General Ludendorff or any senior government official, and without considering the stance of the National Defense Force, Hitler rashly moved forward with his plans.
Upon returning to the Nazi Party headquarters, an irate Ludendorff confronted Hitler, "Adolf! You cannot manipulate me! Have you considered the consequences if your actions fail? I could be court-martialed!" Hitler, unfazed, laughed, "I will not fail! Under my leadership, the German people will march towards glory!"
Ludendorff, unable to sway Hitler, resignedly advised, "Mr. Hitler, this is a national issue. I can only encourage cooperation, not enforce it."
Hitler, however, was adamant, "It's too late to turn back now. Our actions have already marked a chapter in world history." Seeing Ludendorff's reluctant acceptance, Losov agreed to comply with Hitler's directives.
When Karl continued to resist, Hitler played his final card, suggesting a visit to the Prince of Bavaria to appeal to his royal sympathies. This swayed Karl, who finally consented to cooperate as the king's representative.
The group then appeared together in the lobby, where the crowd erupted into cheers. Each made brief declarations of allegiance and shook hands. Hitler, overwhelmed with relief and joy, proclaimed, "I will fulfill the oath I made five years ago in a military hospital: to tirelessly work until the sinful November government is overthrown and a strong, glorious Germany rises from today's tragic ruins."
As he concluded, his supporters in the hall chanted, "Germany above all else!" The rallying cry echoed as a man in a brown shirt discreetly exited the tavern, saluted the guards, and vanished into the night.
In a nearby alley, another man crushed his cigarette underfoot as the brown-shirted man approached, handed him a note, and left. Under the dim light, the man read the message: "Hitler has instigated a putsch in the beer hall. Notify Gestapo command, Major Gascoll, immediately."
By 11 AM on November 22, the Nazi Party mobilized. Three thousand members, along with the Brown Shirt Army, assembled outside the beer hall, armed and ready to march towards Munich's center under the leadership of Hitler, Goering, and the renowned General Enrique Ludendorff. Meanwhile, at an IDF camp outside Munich, sirens blared as soldiers, rifles at the ready, awaited a pivotal figure's arrival.