The Kapp Putsch marks a significant right-wing coup attempt within the Weimar Republic. In March 1920, the Marinebrigade Ehrhardt, a paramilitary group composed of Freikorps veterans, receives orders to march into Berlin with the intent of overthrowing the government. This maneuver is led by Wolfgang Kapp, a nationalist politician who seeks to establish a more authoritarian regime, opposing the policies of the Weimar Republic that resulted from Germany's defeat in World War I. Key motivations for the uprising include dissatisfaction with the Treaty of Versailles and perceived weakness within the democratic government.

As the Brigade approaches Berlin, they encounter little resistance from the regular army, which is hesitant to intervene against their own. By the end of the day, they have effectively seized control of central Berlin, prompting government officials, including the Chancellor, to flee the city. The putsch is characterized by rapid military action, with participants expecting to install a new government, ostensibly free from the influence of leftist politics.

However, the Kapp Putsch's success is short-lived. The government calls on workers to strike in protest of the coup, leading to widespread unrest and civil disobedience. The strike effectively paralyzes the city, undermining Kapp’s authority, and after just four days, he and his followers are compelled to flee. The event, though unsuccessful, highlights the fragility of the Weimar Republic and the significant divisions within German society during this tumultuous period.