Notes on Rosa Luxemburg's Speech on Imperialism and the Role of Social Democracy

Volume 5: Wilhelmine Germany and the First World War, 1890-1918

Another View of Things: Rosa Luxemburg (1913)

  • Speaker: Rosa Luxemburg (1871-1919)
  • Context of Speech: Delivered in Leipzig, addressing the consequences of European imperialism.
    • Focus on ramifications for both the working class in Europe and the oppressed peoples in the colonies.
    • Critique aimed at the Social Democratic Party (SPD) regarding its support for military expansion.
  • Historical Context: A year following this speech, Luxemburg was imprisoned for opposing conscription.

Importance of Foreign Policy

  • Significance of Foreign Policy:

    • Described as increasingly relevant to the working class, contrasting with the petty bourgeoisie’s perception, where it is viewed as a mere distraction.
    • Emphasized the need for workers to recognize foreign policy as critical to their interests, on par with domestic issues.
    • Call for every individual worker to engage with world politics passionately.

  • Examples Provided:

    • The suppression of Negroes by the German army in Africa.
    • Conflicts in the Balkans (Serbs and Bulgarians against Turks).
    • Changes in Canadian politics affecting the working class.

Marx's Diagnostic Framework

  • Karl Marx's Influence:
    • His inaugural address highlighted that international struggles over foreign policy are part of the class struggle for proletariat liberation.
    • Historical Shift: Compared world politics from the 1860s to present, noting the change from Poland's partitioning to modern conflicts, notably:
    • Rivalries between Germany and England in the North Sea.
    • Conflicts in the Mediterranean and the Balkans.
    • Russia and England’s contest over Persia, highlighting the tragic division of lands in times of peace.

Global Conflicts and Wars

  • Notable Wars and Events:

    • Sino-Japanese Wars (1895): First awakening of independence in Asia.
    • U.S. War with Spain (1898): Marked America’s first fight outside its territory.
    • Boer War (1899): Continuation of English imperialism.
    • Huns' Campaign in China under Kaiser Wilhelm II's command, promoting aggression against the Chinese.
    • Russo-Japanese War (1904) followed by revolutions in Russia, Persia, Turkey, India.

  • Implications of Wars:

    • Driving force: the competition for dividing territories not yet dominated by capitalism.

Stances on War by Social Democrats

  • Position of Social Democracy:

    • Distinction between aggressive and defensive wars, with historical references to leaders like Bebel who claimed support only for defensive wars.
    • Critique on the inadequacy of this position as definitions collapse under scrutiny.
    • Example: Balkan War characterized as both aggressive yet framed as defensive by aggressors.

  • Conclusion of Position:

    • Strong stance against all wars attributable to imperialism, urging proletarians to reject participation entirely.

Critique of Alliances and Diplomacy

  • Triple Alliance:
    • SPD’s tacit support for the alliance including Germany, Austria, and Italy.
    • Critique of the expectation that capitalist alliances could promote peace cited as naïve.
    • Result: More profound hostility among nations, escalating arms race.

Disarmament vs. Militarization

  • Debunking Disarmament Illusions:

    • Reference to British minister Grey’s arms agreement speech juxtaposed with ongoing rearmament.
    • Arms accumulation seen as an inherent product of capitalism, leading to inevitable war.

  • Advocacy for Militias:

    • A call for the establishment of a militia system as per the socialist agenda, emphasizing the need for the proletariat to fight for their interests.
    • Acknowledgment of the long road to militia establishment necessitating the overthrow of the ruling class.

Call to Action

  • Mobilizing the Masses:
    • Urging workers to overcome obstacles of complacency and engage actively in the political arena.
    • Referencing successful working-class protests in Belgium and Russia as proof of organized power.
    • Emphasis on growth and solidarity among socialist ranks, calling for collective action against capitalist divides.

Concluding Remarks

  • Power of Masses:
    • Reminded of the importance of boldness in actions against the capitalist system.
    • Echoed sentiments attributed to revolutionary leaders encouraging courage and determination in the face of adversity.

Source Information

  • Publication: Rosa Luxemburg, “Die weltpolitische Lage” [“The State of World Politics”]
  • Date of Speech: May 27, 1913
  • Source Reference: Leipziger Volkszeitung, No. 121, May 29, 1913. Reprinted in Rosa Luxemburg, Gesammelte Werke, East Berlin: Dietz Verlag, 1970, vol. 3, pp. 212-19.
  • Translation: Adam Blauhut.