Revolution in Munich

Category: History
Date: Friday 26 January 2018

The revolution reached Munich on 7 November. Hilde Kramer (1900-1974) was just eighteen but had already become involved with anti-war activities. She listened to speeches and marched through the streets with revolutionaries. The soldiers joined in and the local monarchic family, the Wittelsbachs, fled. The revolution was successful without a single shot being fired.

Kurt Eisner, a journalist and Independent Socialist (USPD) politician, became the President of Bavaria. Elections were called in January 1919 but the USPD only gained a few seats.

On 21 February while on his way to resign, Eisner was shot by a right wing nationalist. In the power struggle that followed, a Soviet Republic was declared by former USPD members and anarchists. Hilde Kramer became the Republic's secretary in the City Commander's Office.

The national government reacted quickly and sent troops. There was a great deal of violence on both sides but the government forces were successful. Some of the leaders of the Soviet Republic, such as Gustav Landauer, were murdered, others were arrested. Eugen Levine was sentenced to death. Hilde Kramer spent several months in prison but was eventually released, most likely on account of her youth.

The end of the Soviet Republic in Munich is often seen as the end of the revolution. As our research has shown, it continued to have a profound effect on those who had participated. For Hilde Kramer, it was the start of a radical political career that stretched from Moscow to Yorkshire.

Further Reading