The Power of Unreason

Munich

The characters confront political choices that are not governed by evidence and logic alone, but by fear, vanity, resentment and ideological fixation.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Performance of Power A Performance of Power from "Munich". Hitler on the Balcony A Staged Appearance Hartmann watches Hitler acknowledge a thin crowd from the Chancellery balcony.

A Performance of Power from "Munich". Hitler on the Balcony A Staged Appearance Hartmann watches Hitler acknowledge a thin crowd from the Chancellery balcony.

Hitler on the Balcony A Staged Appearance Hartmann watches Hitler acknowledge a thin crowd from the Chancellery balcony. Disappointment Beneath Spectacle The regime’s display of force cannot entirely hide the public’s reluctance to cheer for war.

Vanity and Decisions Vanity and Decisions from "Munich". Chamberlain Weighs Mobilisation Flattery at the Table A military leader appeals to Chamberlain’s concern that Hitler might mistake caution for weakness.

Vanity and Decisions from "Munich". Chamberlain Weighs Mobilisation Flattery at the Table A military leader appeals to Chamberlain’s concern that Hitler might mistake caution for weakness.

Chamberlain Weighs Mobilisation Flattery at the Table A military leader appeals to Chamberlain’s concern that Hitler might mistake caution for weakness. A Decision Made The Prime Minister authorises partial mobilisation, showing how personal pride and strategic judgment intersect.

Hitler’s Changing Mood Hitler’s Changing Mood from "Munich". Rage and Impatience A Leader Under Constraint Hitler reacts with irritation to negotiation, delay and popular acclaim for Chamberlain.

Hitler’s Changing Mood from "Munich". Rage and Impatience A Leader Under Constraint Hitler reacts with irritation to negotiation, delay and popular acclaim for Chamberlain.

Rage and Impatience A Leader Under Constraint Hitler reacts with irritation to negotiation, delay and popular acclaim for Chamberlain. Irrational Pressure His unpredictable mood makes the conference difficult to treat as a stable exchange of rational positions.

Chamberlain’s Hope Chamberlain’s Hope from "Munich". Trust in a Symbol The Declaration Proposed Chamberlain seeks a personal pledge that might reshape relations beyond the immediate crisis.

Chamberlain’s Hope from "Munich". Trust in a Symbol The Declaration Proposed Chamberlain seeks a personal pledge that might reshape relations beyond the immediate crisis.

Trust in a Symbol The Declaration Proposed Chamberlain seeks a personal pledge that might reshape relations beyond the immediate crisis. Hope as Policy He treats the signed paper as an opening for peace, although its legal force is slight.

Hartmann Cannot Shoot Hartmann Cannot Shoot from "Munich". The Moment of Possibility A Brief Opportunity Hartmann finds himself alone with Hitler and imagines using the pistol hidden in his jacket.

Hartmann Cannot Shoot from "Munich". The Moment of Possibility A Brief Opportunity Hartmann finds himself alone with Hitler and imagines using the pistol hidden in his jacket.

The Moment of Possibility A Brief Opportunity Hartmann finds himself alone with Hitler and imagines using the pistol hidden in his jacket. A Fatal Inhibition He cannot act, recognising that neither he nor the Army appears ready to break the country’s shared political destiny.

27 September 1938, afternoon

29 September 1938, during the conference

30 September 1938, morning

30 September 1938, late morning