Anti-Fascist

Anti-fascism in Weimar Germany took various forms, primarily represented by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Communist Party (KPD), each with different approaches to countering the rising tide of fascism. The SPD combined symbolic protests with participation in electoral politics, seeking to maintain stability through law and order. The KPD advocated for a more revolutionary approach, emphasizing the need for class struggle, democratic councils for community defense against fascist threats, and mobilization for general strikes.

The failure of the SPD and KPD to collaborate effectively was a critical misstep that many historians and political theorists point to as a lesson for modern anti-fascism. However, it would be more accurate to say that the KPD responded to years of SPD betrayal and violence against them by viewing them as a greater threat than the Nazis, and that the SPD did in fact believe that about the KPD too.

The relationship between these historical forms of anti-fascism and today’s movements is evident in how divided leftist factions are resulting in a fundamentally weaker opposition to fascist regimes. Today’s anti-fascism has similar middle class control over grassroots organizations demanding law and order liberalism, while seeking to marginalize revolutionary movements. We do not want worsening fragmentation among all of us who oppose fascism, but we also don’t support a more rightwing version of the SPD’s doomed approach either.

Today’s opponents of fascism should actually learn from the failures of Weimar Germany and prioritize building democratic assemblies throughout communities and workplaces. These assemblies would act as grassroots collective decision-making bodies, empowering individuals to come together for their own collective defense, and formulate strategies to combat fascism locally. Engaging communities directly in discussions and actions can foster solidarity and ensure that diverse voices are empowered, countering the division exploited by fascists.

Moreover, beyond symbolic protests, which may garner attention but often lack immediate impact, we need to organize sit-ins and occupations at key sites such as Tesla dealerships or local government offices. This tactical approach seeks to disrupt business-as-usual operations, forcing those in power to confront the urgency of the situation. This willingness to engage in direct action will have much greater impact than symbolic protest.

General strikes should be a crucial form of resistance as well. By coordinating efforts across various sectors of the economy, workers can create significant pressure against the fascists and their corporate backers. Strikes can hinder the operations of businesses enabling fascism, rally public support behind our cause, while bringing the economy to a grinding halt.

The lessons of Weimar Germany’s anti-fascist movements must inform today’s strategies by highlighting the importance of unity, inclusive democratic assemblies, engaging in direct actions like sit-ins, and preparing for general strikes to counteract the growing threat of fascism. Only through such concerted grassroots efforts can communities effectively defend against fascist threats, countering it and transforming this into a revolution.