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.
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 Creating German Communism, 1890-1990
After WWII, the Socialist Unity Party (SED) was formed in East Germany. Weitz argues that the intransigent, militaristic, and gendered political culture forged in the Weimar streets directly influenced the rigid governance of the GDR. Core Themes in German Communism Weitz, which provides a comprehensive social and political
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. Core Themes in German Communism Industrial growth provided