In September 1923, the right-wing state government of Bavaria challenged the government in Berlin, resulting in a so-called "Reichsexekution" against the state. President Friedrich Ebert declared a state-of-emergency and, as Reichswehrminister, Gessler was vested with executive power. After the Hitler Putsch in November, Gessler transferred that power to von Seeckt. He helped in solving the crisis, by mediating between Ebert, chancellor Gustav Stresemann and the military leadership. Later, Gessler created a new office, the "Wehrmacht-Abteilung", directly under the Reichswehrminister and thereby moved political power from the "Heeresleitung" to the Minister.