German Revolution 1918
Content about the German Revolution of 1918.
Anti-Bolshevist Communism in Germany - Paul Mattick
The council-communist Paul Mattick looks back at the German revolution he participated in.
He describes the conflicts and tensions between the various political factions; between communist revolutionaries and social democracy, between German revolutionaries and Russian Bolshevism. He discusses reasons for the failure of the revolution in the context of the wider international situation and the development trends of capitalism.
Hoelz, Max, 1889-1933
A short biography of German communist Max Hoelz, known as the Red Robin Hood for his daring acts expropriating from the rich to distribute to workers and the unemployed.
Max Hoelz, The Red Robin Hood
Born 14 October 1889 - Moritz bei Riesa, Germany, died 15 September 1933 - Gorky, Russia
Appel, Jan, 1890-1985
A short autobiography of Jan Appel, aka Jan Arndt, a German libertarian communist and shipyard worker who most famously hijacked a steam ship to Russia after the German Revolution of 1918.
Appel's experiences during the 1918 Revolution drove him out of the Communist Party, and he subsequently helped found the more radical Communist Workers Party (KAPD).
In the Freest State in the World - Ret Marut (B. Traven)
A satirical text about German democracy and the Munich Soviet Republic of 1919, in which Ret Marut (who later became B. Traven) participated.
An Introduction to Left Communism in Germany from 1914 to 1923
On the Origins and Early Years of Working Class Revolutionary Politics:
An Introduction to 'Left Communism' in Germany from 1914 to 1923
DG, 1994
Introduction and Overview
Is this the time to form "soviets"?
Amadeo Bordiga writes on the German and Russian revolutions for an Italian audience, Il Soviet, 21 September 1919.
Two of the articles in our last issue, one devoted to an analysis of the communist system of representation and the other to an exposition of the current tasks facing our Party, concluded by asking whether it is possible or appropriate to set up workers' and peasants' councils today, while the power of the bourgeoisie is still intact.
Origins of the Movement for Workers' Councils in Germany
Pamphlet on the origins of the Movement for Workers' Councils in Germany, covering the 1918 revolution and its aftermath and activites and reactions of left and libertarian communists.
Written by the Dutch Group of International Communists (GIK), with an introduction by Dave Graham.
The Wilhelmshaven Revolt, 1918-1919 - Ikarus
The Wilhelmshaven Revolt - A Chapter of the Revolutionary Movement in the German Navy, 1918-1919, by 'Ikarus' - real name Ernst Schneider
We append to the text an introduction written by Dave Graham, for historical and biographical background information, and a short biography of Ernst Schneider.
Why past revolutionary movements have failed
Anton Pannekoek, from "Living Marxism" Vol. 5, # 2 - Fall 1940.
Thirty years ago every socialist was convinced that the approaching war of the great capitalist powers would mean the final catastrophe of capitalism and would be succeeded by the proletarian revolution. Even when the war did break out and the socialist and labor movement collapsed as a revolutionary factor, the hopes of the revolutionary workers ran high.
Workers Councils (1936) - Anton Pannekoek
Revolutionary Workers Councils as organs of working class self-emancipation.
This article was first published in English in the American journal International Council Correspondence (Vol. II No. 5 April 1936).
