The astonishing year when German democracy faced crisis and near destruction. 1923 was one of
the most remarkable years of modern European history. In January France and Belgium militarily
occupied Germany's economic heartland the Ruhr triggering a series of crises that almost
spiralled out of control. Hyperinflation plunged millions into poverty. The search for
scapegoats empowered political extremes. Hitler's populism ascended to national prominence.
Communists Nazis separatists all thought that they could use the crises to destroy democracy.
None succeeded. 1923 was the year of Hitler's first victory - and his first defeat. Fanning the
flames of instability anti-government and antisemitic sentiment the Nazis abortive yet
pivotal putsch in a Munich beer hall failed when they were abandoned by their likeminded
conservative allies. Drawing on previously unseen sources Mark Jones weaves together a
thrilling and resonant image of a modern society in extreme crisis.
