John C. Crews - WWII Veteran-Enemy 2

"So Kam Es!"

Historical Photos from a Nazi Propaganda Book

The Nazi Party's Rise To Power

continued . . .

"In 1920, Adolph Hitler created the flag of the National Socialist movement"

In the early 1920's, inflation took its toll on the German people, as the Mark became essentially worthless. People had to haul paper money around in baskets to buy bread and other necessities. These scenes played to their sense of distress – to remind them of why they needed Hitler and the Nazi party's help.

The first "Party Day" in Munich, January 27, 1923. 6,000 men took part.

"Increase in National Socialism"

"A demonstration in a beerhall in 1923"

This led up to the first attempt by Hitler and the Nazis to grab power. On November 8, 1923, Hitler tried to pull off a coup in Bavaria at a beer hall with several government officials inside. This became known as the "Beer Hall Putsch" and it turned into a fiasco for Hitler and his followers.

Three images from Munich aftermath of the "Beer Hall Putsch"

The following day's attempt at a forced takeover of Munich failed because Hitler did not have the backing of the German army, or enough overall support of the people. In the face-off, a number of Nazi's were shot, and Hitler himself barely escaped with his life.

Hitler was sent to Landsberg Prison, but was allowed many comforts.

It was here that he dictated his most famous work, "Mein Kampf" – "My Struggle," which laid out his extreme philosophy and his plan for German resurgence.

Front cover of John's copy of "Mein Kampf"

This is an original copy of the book, brought back by John.

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