INFORMATION REGARDING INDIVIDUALS
Hitler
Hitler was the soul of the whole plot. He drew up its plan, took charge of its execution, and proclaimed the fall of the Reich government and the Bavarian government. He distributed new offices and claimed for himself the supreme leadership of Reich politics. He endeavored to initiate, extend, and then continue the action even when it must have been completely clear that he had no prospect whatsoever of gaining his ends.
Ludendorff
Long before November 8, Ludendorff had let it be known, by his conduct toward leading personalities of the Kampfbund and by his behavior towards the infantry cadets, that he would support with his name and with his person a violent, unconstitutional movement, should it take place on German soil. He would, moreover, place himself immediately at its disposal as soon as such a movement should present itself with a unified program for success. Ludendorff was also celebrated recently in the press-publicly and uncontestedly -- as the chosen leader of the coming nationalist rebellion. It is our belief that Ludendorff had been thoroughly apprised of the action of November 8 beforehand. At the latest he learned of the violent, unconstitutional nature of this undertaking on the evening of November 8 when a car brought him to the Bürgerbräkeller. Once at the Bürgerbräukeller, Hitler confirmed what Ludendorff learned on the way. He knew at that time that Kahr, Lossow, and Seisser had made no statement of any kind as to their future positions. He didn't bother to ask them their intentions but immediately declared that he would collaborate, and he urged Kahr, Lossow, and Seisser to do the same. Thus he immediately joined the rebels. He also acted as commander of the newly formed army in that he discussed and issued orders concerning territorial integrity, dissolution of the Kampfverbände, absorption into the Reichswehr, and quartering of the troops. He hailed the cadets marching under the swastika after their arrival at the Bürgerbräukeller, and he took command. He gave orders to the cadets. Finally, he placed himself at the head of the march into the city to lend credence to the whole affair through the power of his name and personality and to influence the Reichswehr and Landespolizei improperly.
Pöhner
Pöhner's sentiments coincided with those of Hitler and the Kampfbund. On the morning of November 7 Hitler sought him out, informed him of the coming putsch, and asked him if he was prepared to assume the office of president of the new Bavarian government. Pöhner answered in the affirmative and did act as president. He went immediately to the chief of police after the Bürgerbräukeller meeting was over, transferred power in the police presidium to Frick, and issued a series of orders. That same night he held a press conference and then went with Frick to visit Kahr in order to discuss the recent ministerial reorganization and the issuance of public notices. He then participated in the deliberations of the High Command at the Wehrkreiskommando and finally attempted to commandeer the police building by shutting out the police.