Creating German Communism, 1890-1990 Today

German communism was shaped by a unique "political culture" that emerged from the harsh environments of Imperial and Weimar Germany. Key stages in this creation include:

During the Weimar Republic, communists were often pushed out of traditional workplaces and into the streets. This created a culture of "display and spectacle," defined by physical prowess, confrontational rallies against police and fascists, and a rejection of practical political mediation. Creating German Communism, 1890-1990

After WWII, the Socialist Unity Party (SED) was formed in East Germany. Weitz argues that the intransigent, militaristic, and gendered political culture forged in the Weimar streets directly influenced the rigid governance of the GDR. Core Themes in German Communism German communism was shaped by a unique "political

Industrial growth provided the Social Democratic Party (SPD) with a massive working-class base. Internal debates over whether to pursue gradual reform or violent revolution eventually led to the 1918 revolution and the founding of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) by figures like Rosa Luxemburg. After WWII, the Socialist Unity Party (SED) was