The appeal of communism

The Appeal of Communism (KPD)

Which party primarily represented communism in Weimar Germany?

The German Communist Party (KPD)

Ideology, Aims, and Revolutionary Stance

From what group was the KPD founded?

The Spartacist League, which originated as a revolutionary minority from the SPD in 1916 and became the KPD in January 1919

How did the KPD view the Weimar government?

As illegitimate and in need of overthrow

What type of government did the KPD aim to establish?

A workers’ state or a republican government controlled by workers’ and soldiers’ councils (Soviets)

What core ideology did the KPD emphasise?

Revolutionary communism, class struggle, and the smashing of the capitalist system

Who did the KPD see as benefiting from the Weimar system?

The ruling capitalist and landowning classes

What economic measures did the KPD advocate?

Nationalisation of industries and workers seizing the means of production (factories and land)

What international affiliation influenced KPD policies?

Membership in the Comintern (Communist International) and close cooperation with the Soviet Union

Mass Mobilisation and Electoral Success (1928–1932)

Did the KPD participate in democratic elections despite revolutionary aims?

Yes, to gain visibility and support, especially during the Great Depression

How did KPD support change between 1928 and 1932?

They gained 2 million votes, with electoral support rising to 16.9% in the November 1932 Reichstag election

How did KPD membership change during this period?

Rose from 117,000 in 1929 to 360,000 in 1932

Was the KPD a significant force in German politics by 1932?

Yes, it was a growing and influential political force

Targeting the Working Class and the Unemployed

Which demographic did the KPD primarily target?

Those facing the harshest economic conditions, especially the unemployed

What actions did the KPD take to appeal to the unemployed?

Set up "committees of the unemployed," staged hunger marches, and agitated against benefit cuts

What slogans did the KPD use in propaganda for the desperate?

"Bread and Freedom"

Which areas in Germany were KPD strongholds?

Industrial and port areas such as the Ruhr, Saxony, Hamburg, and Berlin

What was the KPD's paramilitary wing called?

The Red-Front Fighters’ League, established in 1924

What role did the Red-Front Fighters’ League play?

Engaged in battles with the Nazi SA and police, presenting themselves as defenders of working-class districts

Which Berlin district effectively fell under communist control?

The Wedding district

How did the KPD attempt to involve working-class youth?

Tried to co-opt ‘wild cliques’ into communist-led campaigns against the police and labour exchanges

Significant Weaknesses Limiting Appeal

Why was the KPD unable to compete nationally against the Nazis?

Their appeal was limited to core supporters and industrial areas

Did the KPD attract significant support from women?

No, they had very limited appeal among women

What financial problem did the KPD face?

High proportion of unemployed members meant the party was always short of money

What issue did the KPD face with membership?

Extremely high turnover; more than 50% of new members in 1932 left within a few months

Which party did the KPD expend as much effort fighting as the Nazis?

The moderate SPD

What label did the KPD give to the SPD, and why?

"Social-fascists," accusing them of betraying the working class

How did this division affect anti-Nazi forces?

Weakened the working-class opposition to the Nazis

How did the KPD underestimate the Nazis?

Believed fascism would be a short prelude to a communist victory, often chanting, "After Hitler, us"