Description
Book SynopsisThe Berlin council movement of 1919–20 proves that there was a left alternative beyond Social Democracy and Stalinism in the German Revolution. The movement combined an impressive mass mobilisation with extensive socialist and democratic aspirations that pointed far beyond the Weimar order. Berlin was not just the centre of the November Revolution of 1918, but also the most important arena of the Second Revolution that followed. For the first time, the movement is analysed here in all its diversity and on the basis of a broad range of sources. Beside the workers' and factory councils, it also includes councils of students, women, the unemployed and intellectuals. Central events such as the 1919 general strike and the struggle against the Kapp Putsch of 1920 are also examined.
Table of ContentsForeword to the English Edition About the Author Abbreviations Introduction The Subject, Its Historical Context and Its Significance The Present State of Research Methodology and Sources 1 The March 1919 General Strike in Berlin The Course of Events – a Brief Outline Strikes in the Other Regions Objectives of the Leadership and Measures Taken Cross-Regional Coordination Pressure from Below: The Rank and File of the Movement Official Strike Demands Scope and Capacity for Mobilisation Organisation of the Strike Movement Citizens’ Council and General Strike The Role of the Media Street Fighting during the Strike The Response of the Governments Interim Conclusion 2 The Demonstration outside the Reichstag on 13 January 1920 The Opposition Is Forming The Course of Events at the Demonstration Consequences Contradictory Interpretations The Role of the Security Police and Military Interim Conclusion 3 The Kapp-Lüttwitz Putsch and the Council Movement Starting Shot from the Right: The Putsch Backlash from the Left: The General Strike in Germany and Berlin Workers’ Organisations: For and against the Councils A Second Spring for the Councils? Reconstruction and Activities Interim Conclusion 4 The Revolutionary Central Office of Factory Councils Foundation and Organisational Structure Programme Rivalry with the Trade Unions Interim Conclusion 5 Pupil Councils A Special Case: Gustav Wyneken’s Attempt at Reform The Starting Point: Vocational Schools and the Youth Workers’ Movement Structure of the Pupil Councils The School Strike in the Summer of 1919 Relationship to the ‘Actual’ Council Movement Interim Conclusion 6 Unemployed Councils Unemployment in Berlin Organisational Development of the Unemployed Councils Objectives and Activities Relations with the Other Sections of the Workers’ Movement Interim Conclusion 7 The ‘Political Council of Intellectual Workers’ 8 Women and the Council Movement Contemporary Reflections on the Integration of Women into the Councils Women in Council Practice Interim Conclusion 9 The Council Policies of the Left Parties and Trade Unions Origins and Contents of Article 165 of the Weimar Constitution and of the Factory Councils Act Free Trade Unions: General German Trade Union Federation, DMV and AfA SPD KPD USPD Interim Conclusion 10 Summary and Conclusion Aims and Concepts Organisational Structures Modes of Action Relationship to the State Council Movement and Revolution Bibliography Index
