Chapter 127: Chapter 6: Judgment
During his time in Munich, Zhang Hainuo visited "the respected leader" and his close friend Edwin twice a week at Landsberg Prison.
Although Hitler complained daily about the iron bars, life here was relatively comfortable for a prison: every morning at 6 a.m., the night-duty wardens finished their shift, and the cell doors were opened. Hitler would be ready and waiting after dressing and washing his face. An hour later, trusted inmates served breakfast in the common room for the political prisoners—coffee, bread, or porridge. At 8 a.m., the yard and garden gates opened, allowing inmates to wrestle, box, practice on the parallel bars, or vaulting horse. Due to an injured arm, Hitler "had to act as a referee."
Thirty minutes later, inmates strolled along the narrow and long garden. The prison building was on one side, while a 20-foot-high wall bordered the other. Hitler enjoyed walking along a gravel path, often accompanied by "Hans Lomest." They walked back and forth on this path, discussing political theories that had just been written in Hitler's diary.
Around 10 a.m., inmates returned to their cells, and mail was distributed. Numerous nationalist organizations and individual admirers sent plenty of food parcels. Hitler especially looked forward to poppy seed rolls—a specialty from Austria, brought weekly by a group of female party members.
Around noon, political prisoners had lunch in the common room—usually served in a pot. Others stood behind their chairs waiting, and when Hitler entered, someone shouted, "Attention!" Hitler stood by the table, and others approached to greet him one by one. They rarely discussed politics; Hitler usually conversed about drama, art, or cars.
After lunch, they smoked and chatted for about 15 minutes while clearing the table. Hitler then retired to his room, reading letters or writing in his diary. Around 4 p.m. was tea or coffee time in the common room.
At 4:45 p.m., the garden gate opened again, and Hitler walked alone or with Hans for over an hour. At 6 p.m., inmates had dinner in their cells—herring, sausages, or salad. Those who wanted could buy half a liter of beer or wine. After an hour of exercise or activity, inmates gathered in the common room and then returned to their cells. Lights out at 10 p.m.
Considering Hitler's worry-free life in prison, Zhang Hainuo brought newspapers and books every time he visited, some specifically requested by Hitler, such as "Wagner's Biography" by Houston Stewart Chamberlain, Sven Hedin's "Memoirs," and York von Wartenburg's "World History," along with Munich's well-known satirical magazine "Fools." Others were selected by Zhang Hainuo himself, including the translated version of "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History," which William II of Germany was reportedly fond of.
Zhang Hainuo never expected that one book could elevate the status of the German Navy in Hitler's eyes above the army and air force. With Germany's limited resources, focusing too much on naval construction would inevitably affect the strength of the land and air forces. Therefore, he believed that no matter how strong the German Navy became, it would be meaningless if Germany faced severe losses in the initial stages of war against Britain, France, or even Poland.
Regarding the establishment of the SS and the Intelligence Department, Zhang Hainuo collected information on the Royal Guards of Wilhelm II's era. Hitler seemed interested in establishing a guard unit similar to the Royal Guards. However, Zhang Hainuo did not reveal his thoughts on how these departments would develop. Instead, he shared his suggestions with Edwin, who accepted them only after thoughtful consideration.
In January, another significant event occurred internationally—Vladimir Lenin, the father of the Soviet Union and leader of the Bolsheviks, passed away. When Zhang Hainuo shared this news with Hitler, he was ecstatic, believing that the time for a golden moment had arrived, and the Soviet Union would collapse, bringing down the entire structure of communism.
After each visit to Hitler, Zhang Hainuo would visit other detainees in the same prison, including several party office staff and minor SA leaders. This not only demonstrated his loyalty to the party but also concealed his true purpose from Edwin. To avoid drawing Hitler's attention, he spent only a short time with Edwin each time and left without leaving any written materials.
During his time in Munich, Zhang Hainuo also met with Ernst Röhm several times. Following Hitler's instructions from prison, Röhm established an underground committee for the party in Munich. However, progress was hindered due to personal disputes and ideological divergences. Röhm considered himself Hitler's political heir, but most party members did not support him, especially a group of fugitives in Austria—Eiss, Streicher, Amann, and Hanfstaengl—who saw him as a fraud, neither liking nor respecting him.
One evening, through snow-covered forests, Röhm crossed into Austria and met with the previous fugitives to boost their morale and dispel various rumors. Several days later, thinking he had persuaded the escapees, Röhm skied back across the border to Munich. However, Eiss and the others strengthened their resolve: he was incompetent. They began making their plans, including rebuilding the party's finances through counterfeiting or smuggling weapons and planning attacks on Landsberg Prison. None of the plans succeeded, including sending Ludendorff to the United States to raise funds for Hitler.
Soon after, following a diagnosis from the prison doctor, Hitler's health had recovered, and his mental state was stable. Bavarian authorities announced that a public trial would be held in Munich at the end of February.
As the trial date approached, Hitler became increasingly spirited, shedding the despair he felt at the beginning of his imprisonment. He firmly believed he would become Germany's leader and began considering the country's economic issues, even coming up with ingenious plans to provide employment for many unemployed workers: building a network of highways to connect the nation more closely and mass-producing small economy cars to make them affordable for ordinary people.
"All of this is not as direct and effective as rearming!"
This was Zhang Hainuo's understanding as a later observer of history. He disclosed this cunning but practical strategy to his friend Edwin—lately, he had become Hitler's confidant and personal secretary, responsible for recording the new ideas that popped into the leader's head at any given moment. At this point, Zhang Hainuo began to consider whether to prevent Rudolf Hess from surrendering to the Bavarian authorities and entering Landsberg Prison. According to historical records, he did so on a day in June 1924, following Professor Haushofer's advice. From then on, Hitler dictated, and Hess recorded and organized, completing the first part of "My Struggle" in the crude cell of that prison. Since then, Hess had become Hitler's most loyal and reliable confidant, rising steadily until he became the deputy national leader of the Nazi Party, ultimately ending his political career with a controversial and even dramatic "lone flight."
On February 22nd, as Hitler and his companions were escorted out of the prison gate to Munich's detention center, he was mentally and physically prepared for the trial. The trial, scheduled to begin four days later, would determine Hitler's and the Nazi Party's future.
In Munich, Zhang Hainuo heard an interesting piece of news: Mrs. Ebertin, who had predicted the failure of the Beer Hall Putsch, wrote an astrological article making a new prophecy for Hitler—he would not be defeated but would rise like a phoenix. Recent events not only brought inner strength to Hitler's movement but would also provide significant external support. It would give a tremendous push to the pendulum of world history.
On the morning of February 26th, if not the entire world, at least all of Germany watched Munich, for the political significance of the charges of treason against Hitler, Ludendorff, and eight other defendants far exceeded the scope of personal fate. Germany's rebirth and democracy were on trial, just like one of Germany's most revered war heroes, a fanatic from Austria.
As it was a public trial, journalists and officials had occupied the front rows of the courtroom early on. Rosenbaum and some members of the National Socialist Party were also present, sitting in the left corner of the courtroom, while Zhang Hainuo made his way straight to the right side. There, he found Hanfstaengl—though he was on the Bavarian government's wanted list, he had returned to Munich in late January and, thanks to his influential family background, was one of the few wanted criminals who could openly appear in Bavaria.
"Good morning!" Zhang Hainuo took off his hat and sat down next to Hanfstaengl. Since Hitler had been imprisoned, Mrs. Hanfstaengl had often visited, but she wasn't here today, perhaps staying home to take care of their young son.
"Good morning!" Hanfstaengl, dressed in black, nodded politely. While their relationship wasn't close, they at least respected each other and shared some common interests when there were no conflicts of interest. If not for Hitler, they might have been business partners—Hanfstaengl's family connections in the United States were something any businessman would desire.
After a brief exchange, they both turned their attention to the trial of the day—public trials involving multiple defendants often lasted a long time, sometimes even months.
Adolf Hitler, sitting in the dock, wore a clean but old military uniform, with the two Iron Crosses he earned during the Great War displayed proudly on his left chest. He stood tall and proud, his spirits high, like a knight ready to face his challenger.
Although Rudolf was the first named in the indictment, Hitler quickly became the center of attention from the start of the trial. He was the first called to the dock, but he came as a plaintiff rather than a defendant. In a deep baritone, he outlined the reasons that compelled him to lead this uprising, speaking of marches, bloody skirmishes, escapes, and his journey from arrest to Landsberg. The only regret he expressed was not meeting the same fate as his fallen comrades.
He took full responsibility for the uprising but adamantly denied being a criminal. He claimed his mission in life was to lead Germany back to its former glory, to restore its position in the world—how could such a person be treated as a criminal?
This speech conveyed the convictions of a devout believer, and its effect was reflected in the faces of the presiding judge and prosecutor. Neither protested Hitler's role as plaintiff nor attempted to stop his impassioned speech in any way. Assistant Prosecutor Erhard didn't hold much hope that Judge Nihart, a fervent nationalist who believed the uprising was a "national action," would prevent Rudolf from being acquitted. Similarly, the Prosecutor, troubled by student attacks since assuming his post, felt he had to tread carefully in this trial.
It could be said that on this first day of the trial, Hitler successfully set the tone for the courtroom. By the end, the most enthusiastic applause was reserved for this "speaker," leaving Rudolf somewhat overshadowed among the defendants. As court adjourned, the judges and prosecutors wore complex expressions, seemingly anticipating what comments awaited them the following day.
After the court adjourned, those who supported Hitler were in high spirits. Hanfstaengl insisted on inviting Zhang Hainuo to join him for a few drinks at the tavern. In the tavern, the two men drank and laughed as if the trial had already ended, and the victor was none other than Adolf Hitler himself!
Because they were attending the trial together the next day, Zhang Hainuo decided to stay overnight at Hanfstaengl's house. His wife was eager to hear about their day at the courthouse, and little Egon clearly missed his Uncle Adolf, begging his father to take him to see Hitler tomorrow.
Hanfstaengl agreed, and Zhang Hainuo initially thought it was just something to placate the child, but the next day, Hanfstaengl indeed brought along the not-yet-four-year-old Egon.
"Be careful, son," Hanfstaengl admonished his son as they made their way to the former military academy building, where they would see Uncle Adolf in his cell. "But one day, he'll be the leader of Germany and liberate it from its current troubles."
During the trial that day, most of the time was spent questioning the other defendants, and little Egon sat quietly by his father's side, occasionally asking him who the good guys and bad guys were.
After court adjourned, Hitler was escorted back to his cell in the same building, where Zhang Hainuo and company were allowed a fifteen-minute visit. Before this, little Egon had thought Hitler slept on the cement floor, with only rats for company, but reality "disappointed" him—Uncle Adolf's cell overlooked a garden-like courtyard. After warmly embracing his young supporter, Hitler climbed onto a chair and retrieved a box of sweets from the top of a large brown wardrobe, inviting his visitors for tea.
"I firmly believe I will eventually be acquitted! No one can put the blame on a national hero!" At this moment, Hitler appeared confident.
By February 28th, the third day of the trial, Hitler once again dominated proceedings. During one questioning session, he boldly described how Berlin and Munich had been corrupted by the Red regime:
"In Munich, you can find a typical example. Without the awakening of the healthy masses, we could never have been liberated from the Red era."
His words sparked a strong reaction, prompting him to vigorously defend the idea of advancing on Berlin.
As the trial progressed, Hitler continued to influence the judges with his eloquence and cunning tactics. Meanwhile, Rudolf became a secondary figure in this drama, his resentment towards the other defendants becoming increasingly evident.
"Hitler led me astray," he complained to his adjutant after the trial. "He lied to me. He told me the army was one hundred percent behind the uprising... He's nothing but a speechmaker and an adventurer." Perhaps his resentment stemmed from the fact that this speechmaker and adventurer, this contemptible corporal, acted more like a traditional officer and gentleman than he did—Hitler took full responsibility, while Rudolf continually evaded it. Hitler behaved arrogantly, occasionally berating lawyers and judges as if it were a military court and he the master.
"He addressed the court in the tone of a playground bully," recalled British journalist G. Hodd Potts. "Every word was harsh and rude. As he raised his boorish tone, the small chief judge sitting in the middle trembled all over, his goatee shaking violently, and he had to use his hand to hold it down."
The press increasingly criticized this acquiescent judge, and some foreign observers found it hard to believe they were witnessing a trial. On March 4th, at a meeting of the Bavarian State Ministry, there was unanimous criticism of Nihart. State Minister Schweyer said that the public insults against the army and the state police had constituted a personal attack on the state police. Another minister doubted Nihart's ability to conduct the trial. At the same time, a third minister revealed that he personally criticized the chief judge for allowing Hitler to speak uninterrupted for four hours—Nihart only replied, "I couldn't stop Hitler from speaking."
Despite both official and unofficial protests, the trial continued to be Hitler's pulpit. On the days leading up to the verdicts on March 11th and 14th, Hitler showed his prowess in court. Unlike his British counterparts, German law allowed defendants to deliver lengthy speeches and freely question witnesses at such moments. Hitler, therefore, treated the political giants as if they were criminals. When General von Lossow took the stand, Hitler jumped up and loudly interrogated him. The tall, bald-headed general stood his ground, vehemently refuting Hitler and even pointing his long index finger at the former corporal. Hitler had no choice but to sit down and keep quiet. Moments later, he rose again, accusing the three gentlemen who had pledged to join him.
General von Lossow disdainfully declared that Hitler was merely playing the role of a political drummer boy. Hitler berated von Lossow loudly, prompting the judge to instruct him to lower his voice. He did so, but when von Lossow claimed he was partly emotional and partly brutal, Hitler couldn't contain himself. Like a jack-in-the-box, he jumped out of his chair.
"Where are your golden words now? Is this the emotional and brutal Hitler?" he exclaimed.
Von Lossow stared at Hitler and coldly replied, "No, it's the Hitler who's ruined his conscience." This elicited another round of insults, and von Lossow had to turn to the presiding judge. Since the judge had not reproached Hitler, the general bowed and left the courtroom. Only then did Judge Nihart finally announce that Hitler's outburst was a personal attack and not permissible.
"I accept this accusation," Hitler sarcastically remarked.
Hitler's eloquence reached its peak in his final speech, which was part sermon, part encouragement, part vitriol, but consistently captivating and, most importantly, effective, as under German law, defendants had the right to make a final statement.
Hitler categorically denied the charges of merely being a political drummer boy and power seeker, dismissing the accusation of wanting to be a minister as absurd. "From the beginning, my goal has been a thousand times greater than being a minister. I aim to crush Marxism. I want to accomplish this grand task, and the title of minister pales in comparison," he stated. After a moment, he revealed his innermost desires: "A born dictator cannot be forced; he is self-aware and voluntary; he is not driven but drives himself forward; there's no humility in that... Anyone who feels called to rule over people has no right to say so. If you need me or call upon me, I will cooperate; otherwise, I have my responsibilities!"
He told the court that although the November uprising failed, they must respect him as Germany's future leader because the ideals of the army and those who supported the uprising were destined to reconcile. "I believe the day will come when the masses raising the swastika flags in the streets will unite with those who fired upon them. I firmly believe that this bloodshed will not forever keep us apart. When I learned it was the city police who fired first, I was pleased to see that at least it wasn't the army; the army remains unsullied. The day will come when the army, officers and soldiers alike, will stand with us," he proclaimed.
"Mr. Hitler," protested Judge Nihart, "you claim the city police were tainted; I won't allow you to say that."
Ignoring the judge's objection, Hitler continued to speak loudly, "Our army is growing stronger day by day, rapidly increasing. Even at this moment, I proudly hope that one day our original recruits will grow from companies to battalions, from battalions to regiments, and from regiments to divisions. The emblems of the past will be picked up from the mud, and the flags of yore will wave before us; by then, we will be reconciled in the 'court of judgment'—the 'court of God'—and when the time comes, we will be ready to appear. By then, the only voice authorized to judge us will sound from our ruins, from our graves. Because, gentlemen, you are not the ones who declare the verdict; only the eternal tribunal of history has the right to judge our prosecution."
In the verbal sparring, Hitler emerged victorious. As the court deliberated on the verdict, many observers believed he would be acquitted. Judge Nihart, despite the evidence, insisted on acquitting Röhm. The other three lay judges, including one who constantly cast gloomy glances at Hitler throughout the trial, also agreed to acquit the main defendants.
"Based on my defense," Hitler commented long after the trial, "they were convinced that Karl, Lossow, and Seisser were guilty like me. People informed them of dissenting opinions, and if they released them, there was a danger that the case would be transferred to the Leipzig court. This made the jury think. Their conclusion was that it was safer to convict me, especially as they were assured of my pardon within six months of the verdict."
On April 1st, Assistant Prosecutor Erhard arrived for the sentencing and found the courtroom crowded with women wearing flowers for their idol. He ordered the flowers to be removed, while other women who followed Hitler's lead requested permission to bathe in Hitler's bathtub. After 10 a.m., the defendants were brought out of the building for a group photo. Rudolf Röhm, dressed in full military uniform with a steel helmet, wore an angry expression. Hitler, in a military coat and unfastened belt, holding a velvet cap, stood to his left.
Hitler's military coat was freshly washed and neatly pressed, looking almost new. His beard was trimmed, his hair tidy. He appeared calm, confident, and physically fit, like a successful businessman. For the first time in his life, he had a potbelly, weighing in at 170 pounds.
Outside the building, a large crowd gathered as the defendants were brought into the courtroom. The reading of the verdicts took almost an hour; when Hitler was sentenced to five years in prison at Landsberg, there was no uproar in the courtroom. The sentence was reduced by half a year because he had been detained for six months prior to the trial.
As expected, Rudolf Röhm was acquitted. His high status once again led to a spirited reply: "This acquittal, I see it as a disgrace, not earned by my military uniform and medals."
Even though convicted, Hitler was respected by the court. It refused to extradite him as an unwelcome foreigner to Austria.
"Hitler is an Austrian who has been Germanized. The court believes that a person like Hitler, whose thoughts and feelings are Germanic, a man who voluntarily served in the German army for four years during wartime, showed unwavering bravery before the enemy and earned great honors, a man who was injured and suffered health damage during the war, a distinguished soldier... the 'Republican Protection Law' does not apply to him."
The court expressed contempt for Hitler's three enemies, claiming that if Karl, Lossow, and Seisser had "clearly said 'no' to Hitler's request for them to join the uprising, or if, on the evening of November 8th, the defendants had repeatedly requested clarification of the facts and received some form of cooperation," the tragedy could have been prevented.
Hitler's sentence was the first to be announced. While others' verdicts were being read, he was hurriedly escorted into a waiting car outside to avoid demonstrations. At dusk, Hitler was returned to Cell No. 7. During his absence, the cell had been redecorated and appeared more conspicuous. However, the earlier confidence was gone. Guard Rans Hemlich noticed that he "looked more troubled than before." The gloomy mood soon passed. Before long, he pulled out a new diary from his trunk. In the top right corner of the first page, he wrote:
"Motto: When the world perishes, the belief in the cause of justice will stand tall."
Below this motto, he wrote:
The trial of narrow minds and personal hatred has ended—today, my struggle begins.
April 1, 1924, in Landsberg
The trial that only the insurgents needed had ended. Although Hitler had won a propaganda victory, he found himself back in the confines of his cell. He knew he would serve four and a half years there. To much of the German public and the Western world, the verdicts for treason and armed rebellion had been absurdly lenient. The London Times commented, "In any case, this trial shows that conspiracies against the imperial constitution are not considered serious crimes in Bavaria."
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