Creating — German Communism, 1890-1990

Under Nazi rule, the KPD was suppressed, with members fragmented into resistance groups, prison camps, or exile in the Soviet Union.

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

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. Under Nazi rule, the KPD was suppressed, with

The title refers to a landmark historical work by Eric D. Weitz, which provides a comprehensive social and political history of the movement from its roots in the late 19th century through the collapse of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1990. Overview of the Movement's Evolution Industrial growth provided the Social Democratic Party (SPD)

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:

The movement venerated "heroic proletarian men" and "physical prowess" as the ultimate revolutionary qualities. While the party's program officially supported egalitarianism, the reality of street fighting often masculinized its image and alienated many women.