Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Manifest der Kommunistischen Partei Deutschlands Oktober 1918 (Manifesto of the Communist Party of Germany October 1918)

Berlin: Buchdruckerei "Silesia" 1918. Original document. Broadside. Large quarto (11 3/8 x 9"). Original printed broadside, protected by modern mylar.

The "Manifest der Kommunistischen Partei Deutschlands" is the direct result of the assemblies of various groups of the workers opposition which were held during the last months of WWI, at a time when the German army was in full retreat on its Western and Southern fronts. During these meetings, it was urged that the revolutionary class must violently explain its program to the broad masses, regardless of expense, and this was to be carried out without delay.

Written by Fritz Frenken in order to 'enlighten' the social democratic (SPD) 'duped masses' and to untie them from their careerist leadership, this manifesto starts by denouncing the warmongering attitude of the vast majority of the SPD deputies who voted for the war credits at the outbreak of World War I, thus betraying the vital interests of the working class.* It criticizes the current parliamentary system as a vehicle for capitalism, offering the unity of the workers in a single political party in the spirit of communism as the only plausible alternative to free the proletariat.

The second part of the document announces the upcoming organization of this party truly dedicated to the workers: the "Kommunistischen Partei Deutschlands" (Communist Party of Germany), and outlines its program and invites all who are in accord with the stated facts to contact the author at the office address given on the broadside.

Following the statement "In the political rule of Proletariat, only deed matters," the author ends this manifesto stating that it was written in agreement with the "Internationale Sozialisten Deutschlands" (ISD)** and the "Bremer Linksradikalen.*** The broadside was printed at the "Silesia" printer in Berlin and distributed prior to the Kiel Mutiny of November 3rd, 1918, which triggered the so-called German revolution. The original "Manifesto of the Communist Party" by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels was written in late 1847 and first published in February 1848.

Moderate age-toning. Minor wear along edges with very light damp-staining. Text in German, Gothic script. Broadside in overall good to very good condition. g to vg. Item #50519

* In 1914, out of the 92 social democratic deputies, only 14 voted against the war credits.

** Organization of the "Left Radicals" before 1918.

*** In 1905, the "Bremer Linksradikalen" (Bremen Left Radicals) were formed as a radicalization of the SPD's Bremen local group. During WWI, they were the basis for the ISD (Internationale Sozialisten Deutschlands), and the "Internationale Kommunisten Deutschlands" (IKD). On January 1, 1919, the group united with the Spartakus League to form the KPD.

Price: $1,250.00

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