The main left wing groups - 1918 Flashcards
(12 cards)
1
Q
What were the main left-wing groups in 1918 Germany ?
A
- Spartacist league (communists)
- USPD ( independent social democratic party)
- SPD (social democratic party)
2
Q
When was the Spartacist league founded ? Who led it ?
A
- 1916
- a revolutionary and anti-war breakaway group from the SPD, led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxembourg
3
Q
What were the aims of the Spartacist league ?
A
The Spartacists wanted :
- A republic controlled by workers’ and soldiers councils
- Nationalism of industry and replacement of army by workers’ militias
4
Q
Where did the Spartacists get support from ?
A
Spartacist support :
- Some workers joined their rallies and demonstrations but membership was very small - 5000
5
Q
When was the USPD founded ?
A
1918
- a radical and anti war breakaway group from the SPD
6
Q
Who led the USPD ?
A
Hugo Hasse
7
Q
Aims of the USPD ?
A
USPD aims :
- A republic ruled by Reichstag but cooperating with workers’ and soldiers’ councils
- nationalism of industry
- reform of the army
8
Q
What was USPD support like in 1918 ?
A
Support was growing in strength - their membership was 300,000
9
Q
When was the SPD founded ?
A
- 1875
10
Q
Who led the SPD ?
A
- Friedrich Ebert and Philip Scheidemann
11
Q
What were the aims of the SPD ?
A
SPD aims :
- A republic ruled by the Reichstag with democratic freedoms and welfare rights
- some nationalisation of industry
12
Q
SPD support in 1918 :
A
SPD support :
- Had been the largest party in the Reichstag in 1912
- Had 1 million members in 1918 and appealed to many working-class voters
