1923

1923 unveils the astonishing year when German democracy faced crisis and near destruction. This year was one of the most remarkable in 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, and the search for scapegoats empowered political extremes. Hitler's populism ascended to national prominence, as communists, Nazis, and separatists all believed they could exploit these crises to destroy democracy.

However, none succeeded. 1923 marked both Hitler's first victory and his first defeat. As the flames of instability were fanned, anti-government and antisemitic sentiments grew stronger. 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 in 1923.