When History Failed to Turn

One hundred years ago, a communist uprising took place in Hamburg. But the revolution in the rest of Germany was canceled.

How the Daughters of a Nazi General Became Communist Spies

As Hitler rose to power, two daughters of Germany’s top general became spies for the Communist Party. A new biography tells the story of how hatred for fascism and its aristocratic collaborators led them to become class traitors.

Was Rosa Luxemburg an Opponent of the Russian Revolution?

Rosa Luxemburg is often presented as an opponent of the Russian Revolution, but this is a deliberate misunderstanding. In fact, she was no more and no less than a critical Bolshevik.

Police Attack the Luxemburg Liebknecht Demonstration in Berlin

On Sunday, 2,000 people gathered in Friedrichshain for the traditional "LL-Demo." They were brutally attacked by police, who made 35 arrests. The justification was absurd. The responsibility lies with the SPD and Die LINKE.

The First Mass Communist Party

The United Communist Party of Germany (VKPD) was founded 100 years ago.

Rosa Luxemburg’s Berlin

"Berlin has made the most unfavourable impression on me." It is 1898 and Rosa Luxemburg has just arrived in the capital of the German Empire. She describes it in a letter as: "cold, tasteless, massive – a real barracks." She will remain in Berlin until her assassination, which took place 101 years ago today. Here is where she spent her time in Berlin.

Werner Scholem: Uncompromising to the End

Werner Scholem was a leading light of the left wing of the Communist Party of Germany in the 1920s. A new biography by Ralf Hoffrogge presents a revolutionary life that refused all compromise.

100 Years Ago in Berlin: The Bitter Lesson of a Defeat

The Social Democrats and the military prepared to crush the revolution. A big majority of the working class desired socialism – but they had no major party of their own to lead the struggles. What lessons can be draw from this bloody defeat?

100 Years Ago in Berlin: Revolution and Counterrevolution in Germany

In the first days of the German Revolution, workers’ and soldiers’ councils formed across Germany. The Social Democrats allied with the military to save as much of the old order as they could. The Communists tried to organize the forces of the revolution. This fight came to a head at a national congress of the councils.