The German Revolution of 1918 - 1919

The Junius Pamphlet

The Crisis of German Social Democracy

 

This is a good and educative essay, which give the details on Socialism, Capitalism and Nationalism movement, the conflicts in Germany during the First and Second World War and the historical development that led to the Third World War. The passage i chose is " A friend in need is a friend indeed. This old adage has once more proven its soundness. The social democratic proletariat that has been prosecuted and clubbed for its opinions went, like one man, to protect our homes. German labor unions that had so often suffered both in Germany and in Prussia report unanimously that the best of their members have joined the colors. Even the capitalist papers like the General-Anzeiger note the fact and express the conviction that 'these people' will do their duty as well as any man, that blows will rain most heavily where they stand". This passage showed the integration of principle of national unity as being proclaimed by the Social Democratic press and the Capitalist group also accommodate the sense of national unity as one German nation. The passage showed the sense of loyalty to one's nation despite the different in political ideologies. 

1. Why does Luxemburg believe that wars of 1871 affect the wars in 1914?

She believe that, the war of 1871 affect the war of 1914 because, the was two lines of development in history that led to the war of 1914. One is the development, that led to the institution of national states during the time of Bismarckian war against France, and second is the development that led to the unification between French Republic and Russia and which divided Europe into two opposing camps.

2. How does Luxemburg judge the claims made about "Russian despotism" supported by the SPD?

Luxemburg criticized the idea of Russian despotism, she said it will be very dangerous to deport Russians and also wage war against them because, the civilization and independence of German people is of paramount important at that time. "Much, aye everything is at stake for our people and its future, if Russian despotism, stained with the blood of its own people, should be the victor. This danger must be averted, the civilization and the independence of our people must be safeguarded" 

3. What is the relationship between nationalism and capitalism?

Capitalism is an economic system that is characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market. 

Nationalism is a loyalty and devotion to a nation. A sense of national consciousness exalting one's nation above all others, and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interest as opposed to those of other nations.

4. Why does Luxemburg believe that the war supports the business interest of steel and the banks?

Luxenburg believe that, the war supports the business interest of steel and the banks because, there was an increase in monopoly power in Europe, and also the strong banking system in the whole world. The monopoly power  was used to organize the steel and iron industry, this power led to the interest in government orders, the production of military equipment, building of railroads and also, to take advantage  of the mines into the most control factor in the country.