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It's November 8, 1923, at a beer hall in Munich, Germany in the state of Bavaria. A crowd of several thousand Bavarians have gathered for a political rally.

Among the large crowd is a young businessman. He empties his

beerstein and slams it down on the table. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and nods

and hearty agreement to the speech he's just heard. Some of the most powerful political figures in Bavaria are

here, the head of the police, the head of the

military, the prime minister. This young businessman is one of many disaffected citizens who have come

here to listen to speeches denouncing the Weimar Republic, which has governed Germany since

1919. After Germany's defeat in World War I, the harsh economic punishments imposed by the Treaty of Versailles

have brought his homeland to its knees. Hyperinflation has wreaked havoc on the economy.

Food shortages have led to mass starvation. The situation is dire, and the government isn't doing

anything about it. Many people are hungry for change.

Suddenly, commotion erupts in the beer hall.

Men in military uniforms swarm the building, barking instructions and brandishing rifles.

In the midst of the chaos and confusion, a single gunshot rings out.

A frightened hush falls over the room.

Craning his neck, the young businessman spots a figure with neatly combed dark hair

and a small black mustache strutting to the front of the room.

Some seem to recognize him, but no one knows this is the first step in a long journey

...