Creating German Communism, 1890-1990 -

Under Nazi rule, the KPD was suppressed, with members fragmented into resistance groups, prison camps, or exile in the Soviet Union.

Starting in 1924, the KPD increasingly subordinated its interests to Moscow, adopting a militarily disciplined structure where "decisions became commands". Creating German Communism, 1890-1990

During the Weimar Republic, communists were often pushed out of traditional workplaces and into the streets. This created a culture of "display and spectacle," defined by physical prowess, confrontational rallies against police and fascists, and a rejection of practical political mediation. Under Nazi rule, the KPD was suppressed, with

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. This created a culture of "display and spectacle,"

The leadership of the GDR ultimately became tragically removed from the desires of its people, remaining "imprisoned" in the confrontational policies of their early history. 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

German communism was shaped by a unique "political culture" that emerged from the harsh environments of Imperial and Weimar Germany. Key stages in this creation include: