The Third Reich

It was in Munich that a jobless, talentless and inconsequential looking man came to power and became the ruler of the Third Reich as Germany was known then. His initial foray into power was met with failure, he and a defunct general named Erich von Ludendorff staged the 'now notorious 1923 Munich beer hall putsch, with the avowed intention of overthrowing the Bavarian government. The putsch failed.' This man served less than a year of a five year prison sentence. No matter, his career just begun. Taking advantage of Germany's woes - the financial ruin and the loss of honor because of their losses in the First World war, he formed the NAZI party, became the Fuhrer and the ruler of Germany or The Third Reich. Unlike Berlin, Munich has very subtle reminders of the rule of the fuhrer and The Third Reich. While walking the tour of the city with our guide, he pointed out the places which played an important part in the fuhrer's rule. One can take a more substantial 'Third Reich' tour but we saw a few things. I regretted at that moment that I didn't budget any time to visit Dachau, one of Hitler's many concentration camps. The above are excerpts from Max Dimont's book, 'Jews, God and History'. It is an incredible book which unfortunately is out of print but may still be found in used books outlets.

The new synagogue in Munich. I never saw such incredibly dressed congregants. I'm glad the Jewish people has regained their financial might.

The houses across the street from the synagogue.

There used to be a sign up the street that people who passed by must 'heil' to, this was put in place by Hitler. Objectors would make a detour to avoid passing in front of the sign. They were later forced to pass by it and 'heil' to it. This yellow streak marked where they detoured.

The place where the sign used to be, it has since been removed.

The world celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. It is an awesome feeling to be in the same places where history was made.