Crumbling Reich: A Weimar Republic Game (Gameplay Thread)

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Wikimedia Commons

The Second von Papen Ministry


At last the Reich Chancellor has presented a new cabinet to the nation. After many days of debate, intrigue, and political wrangling among the political elite, and many days of rumor work, editorializing, and an explosive combination of fear and excitement amongst the populace, a government has finally been formed. And despite many predictions after the elections that Chancellor von Papen was finished, he has indeed survived, apparently, for now. While the details of the negotiations are hard to come by, it is believed that the new Ministry will survive with tacit National Socialist support. However, we can draw conclusions from the makeup of the new government, even as intrigue rages on behind the scenes.


Reich Chancellor: Franz von Papen (Independent)
Vice Chancellor: Alfred Hugenberg (DNVP)
Reich Minister of Foreign Minister: Erich Klausener (Independent)
Reich Minister of the Interior: Alfred Hugenberg (DNVP)
Reich Minister of Finance: Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk (Independent)
Reich Minister of Justice: Franz Gürtner (DNVP)
Reich Minister of the Reichswehr: Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck (VU)
Reich Minister of Economics: Joseph Joos (Zentrum)
Reich Minister for Food and Agriculture: Paul Freiherr von Eltz-Rübenach (Independent)
Reich Minister for Labour: Heinrich Brauns (Zentrum)
Reich Minister for Postal Affairs: Franz Bracht (Zentrum)
Reich Minister for Transport: Franz Seldte (DNVP)
Reich Minister without portfolio: Kurt von Schleicher (Independent)
Reich Minister without portfolio: Fritz Schäffer (BVP)


It is hard to say where this cabinet is compared to the last one. Some say it is a slight shift to the center. The reactionary intellectual Carl Schmitt is out for one, but others say it is a shift further to the right. Mahraun, who was perceived as a moderating influence is out, and Hugenberg is now Vice Chancellor. The Republican figure and former Field Marshal Groener is out and monarchist war hero Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck is in. While Vorbeck is no friend of the NSDAP, it is undoubtedly a rightward shift.

While many Germans celebrate Oktoberfest with beer and pretzels something subversive may be brewing. With inertia paralyzing the government, some wonder if the new elections will do some again, but even more so with extremist parties obtaining more political power. There are rumors that among certain Bolshevist agitators the belief is that a time such as that may be ripe for a general strike, that could spiral into a Marxist revolution. And in military circles, many believe that the Reichswehr must step off the sidelines and intervene to protect the fatherland from such an insurrection, and to establish a far more powerful state.

Time will tell if Chancellor von Papen can steer the ship of state through stormy weather, or if it will sink....

[Dereich]

There will be an immediate change to the new cabinet. General von Schleicher has been chosen as the Reich's special envoy to the Government of the Republic of China and will assist that government in the interests of Sino-German cooperation.

Herr Mehrun has graciously agreed to reenter the cabinet in his place as Minister without Portfolio.

[Kingpoleon]

There will be an immediate change to the new cabinet. General von Schleicher has been chosen as the Reich's special envoy to the Government of the Republic of China and will assist that government in the interests of Sino-German cooperation.

Herr Mehrun has graciously agreed to reenter the cabinet in his place as Minister without Portfolio.

The President and Chancellor honor me with this appointment. I look forward to working in government with my friends and fellow Cabinet ministers.

[Devout Centrist]

Breaking News: Thälmann Gives Urgent Press Conference

Good Afternoon everyone. Today, I have just received a very disturbing report from an high ranking anonymous source that Chancellor Franz von Papen plans to form a government with 'tacit' support from Herr Hitler and the men of the Nazi Party. While it is not clear what concessions were made, it’s evident that this decision represents nothing less than a betrayal of the German people and an unmistakable threat to the survival of the German nation.

This is a very serious situation. The German people cannot put their faith in any government aligned with the anti-Republican, anti-worker policies of the Nazi Party. Herr Hitler is using von Papen as a mere pawn for his insidious plan to take control of Germany and extract every last Reichsmark from the working people of our country. He would return us to the horrors of the Great War and send millions of our brothers to their deaths in Poland, Russia, and France. This madman cannot be allowed anywhere near the levers of power and the KPD will not stand for his participation in any government.

To that end, we are calling for an immediate and peaceful general strike. I am also personally reaching out to the leaders of other parties to create a popular Anti-Fascist front, for the survival of the Republic and the survival of Deutschland itself. We will oppose Herr Hitler and his militarist brethren through peaceful, direct action.

I call on the German people to take to the streets and call on their representatives in the Reichstag to oppose any government that includes Nazi support, tacit or otherwise. The KPD will support any coalition of moderate, liberal, and socialist parties to stop the reactionary-fascist alliance proposed by Chancellor von Papen.

We are demanding that Chancellor von Papen openly and fully disavow the Nazi Party and Herr Hitler himself. We also call on the Chancellor to create a government that respects the rights of the German people and the German worker. If no such government is possible, then the KPD will support new elections to blunt the influence of Herr Hitler and his fascist allies in the Reichstag.

[NewYorkExpress]

Hitler response to Thalmann

There is no member of my party that is in Chancellor Von Papen's cabinet at present, so I have no idea what you are talking about. If I had gotten my way on the composition of the government, I and the members of my party would actually be represented, since I currently have the largest party in the Reichstag.

[Devout Centrist]

Can you confirm that you plan to vote against any von Papen Government, Herr Hitler? It would be quite cowardly on your part to abstain on a vote of no confidence.

In any case, we will not accept such an abstention. Any government that receives a majority, by virtue of Nazi support or abstention, will not be tolerated by the KPD. We renew our call for a peaceful general strike.

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg responds to the announcement of the KPD

Well, as you know, everyone in Germany has a legal right to protest. However, this shall be done orderly and peacefully, respecting all laws. I can ensure you that the minute they get out of hand or illegal groups are spotted, these protests will be cracked down. With that being said, we would encourage everyone not to participate in these strikes, as the risk of violence by communist agitators is too big, as well as the fact that the German economy, which was only starting to recover, can not take such a shock.

[NewYorkExpress]

Hitler response to Thalmann

I think everyone except your party is supporting this government at present, Herr Thalmann.

[KaiserDave]

The Reich



Courtesy of Left Voice

GENERAL STRIKE


Protest mobs have swamped the streets of the major cities of Germany as the unions affiliated with the SPD and KPD, meaning the majority of the German labor movement. have declared a general strike at all levels of society. The SPD have KPD have in solidarity declared that any reactionary government dependent on support from the National Socialists is an act of aggression against the working class. Red flags have filled the streets of Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and more. Signs bearing the slogans "Down with Fascism!" and "Down with Papen!" fill the streets, as deputies and leaders from the Social Democrats and Communists give fiery speeches, and committees of worker's deputies meet on the sidewalks and alleys of many cities. Communists and Social Democrats, arms linked have marched together in a show of force against the reactionary establishment. While they have many disagreements, with even some contentious arguments among the demonstrators erupting, they have united to lead millions of Germans out on strike to place pressure on the government. They have even been joined on some occasions by elements of the Strasserist Black Front. Otto Strasser himself issued a statement declaring the current government an, "alliance of war profiteers and bankers at war with the German workers." Many leftist demonstrators have struck up the tune just authored by Bertolt Brecht, the "Einheitsfrontlied" that places emphasis on working class solidarity and a united anti-fascist front.


Und weil der Mensch ein Mensch ist,
drum braucht er was zum Essen, bitte sehr!
Es macht ihn ein Geschwätz nicht satt,
das schafft kein Essen her.

Drum links, zwei, drei!
Drum links, zwei, drei!
Wo dein Platz, Genosse, ist!
Reih dich ein in die Arbeitereinheitsfront,
weil du auch ein Arbeiter bist.


On the side of the government, the newly minted Reichspolizei have come out in full force to contain the demonstrations and stop violence. Supported by local police forces, they have impressed in many places in preserving peace. Many have noted that in the Rhineland the presence of strikes has been minimal and the presence of police great, however some believe this is because the Catholic Unions did not agree to participate in the strikes. Der Stalhelm have also participated in suppressing the strikes, oftentimes armed with rifles and driving armored vehicles with mounted machine guns. Prompting of course vitriol from the crowds denouncing them as "criminal fascist dogs." Theodor Duesterberg, a Der Stalhelm leader simply said that, "if the Bolsheviks and their stooges attempt to overthrow the government of the Reich they will eat lead."

Across Germany there is a general strike, the nation is paralyzed in many places. Trains aren't running, garbage piles up, power outages have occurred in some places, ships remain in docks while their chains rust, and factories have become silent empty shells. However the effectives of the strike has been somewhat limited by the Catholic unions staying at work, and the major industrialists bringing in strike breakers. Yet, the strike goes on and it is up to the government or respond.

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler announces that the SA will not assist in the putting down of the strikes, saying that the Reichpolizi is doing a "fine job".

[Lumine]

MINISTRY OF THE REICHSWEHR
Official Announcement

The Minister of the Reichswehr has decided to conduct an administrative reorganization of current department heads, relevant commanders and heads of the current military branches. Having consulted and recieved the approval of President Hindenburg and Chancellor von Papen, it is the belief of this Ministry that these changes with further enhance the already remarkable efficiency of the Armed Forces at an important time, and the Minister pays tribute both to outgoing as well as incoming appointees on account of their dutiful and unyielding service to this nation.

Therefore, by a decree of the Minister of the Reichswehr - signed by President Hindenburg -, we announce the following:

-That Lt. Gen. Alexander von Falkenhausen is hereby appointed to lead the Office of Ministerial Affairs (Ministeramt), replacing Maj. Gen. Ferdinand von Bredow.

-That Maj. Gen. Walther von Brauchitsch is hereby promoted to Lt. Gen., and hereby appointed to lead the Troop Office (Truppenamt), replacing Lt. Gen. Wilhelm Adam.

-That Lt. Gen. Gerd von Rundstedt is hereby promoted to full General, and hereby appointed to lead the Army Command, replacing Gen. Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord.

-That Admiral Erich Raeder is to continue his duties leading the Naval Command.

-That Colonel Erwin von Witzleben is hereby promoted to Brigadier General, and is hereby appointed to lead Wehrkreis III (Berlin).

-That Lt. Gen. Ludwig Beck is hereby appointed to lead Gruppenkommando 1 (Eastern Germany).

-That Maj. Gen. Werner von Fritsch is hereby appointed to lead Gruppenkommando 2 (Western Germany).

Signed,

Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck.

[GoTfan]

Wels addresses striking workers in Berlin

"The struggle against the forces of fascism, of Nazism, of Hitlerism, is the greatest of our time.

The Chancellor and his government are now dependent on those forces to stay in power. Indeed, the Chancellor has offered to reinstate Herr Mahraun as Foreign Minister in return for our support! Or so he says, for it was Herr Mahraun himself who approached us with this!

This only proves the cowardice of the Chancellor! A man who cannot even look us in the eye as he tramples over our workers! A man who is little more than the puppet of his Vice-Chancellor! So I say this to you know, Herr Kanzler, you shall not press down upon the brow of the worker this crown of thorns! You shall not crucify the republic upon a cross of tyranny!

I also have a message for Herr Mahraun: you must now decide, my friend. Do you stand with the republic? Or will you assist in its destruction?

The lord above knows we have our disagreements with the KPD, but we stand together in the face of this government. There are indeed times when sworn enemies must stand as one when faced with a common foe.

We must lose no more time! We must have only one goal! Only one objective: to crush fascism until it is completely wiped out!

Wir stelehn als eins! Fur die Republik!

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg sends a letter to workers in response to the strike


First of all, I would like to thank the Police and Der Stalhelm as well as the people for keeping these strikes peaceful. Our government understands the right to protest that everyone has and will respect it as long as it does not threaten the national or material security of Germany.

Second of all, I want to call on all workers to return to their duties. We have all heard or read the speech given by Herr Wells, and it appears as if his goal with these strikes is to give back the Foreign Ministry to Mahraun the traitor. The leaders of the strikes have made no clear policy demands related to improving your well being when asked by the government, all of their demands have been driven by their political interests into having a weaker cabinet. And I am asking you, workers of Germany, is it really worth it to risk the material security of you and your families that the von Papen Government has done everything to ensure so that Mahraun the traitor can have a high ranking job again? So that the same government with the same policies gets to be supported by one party instead of another? Are these truly your goals?

Yours,
Alfred Hugenberg

[GoTfan]

Wels addresses workers in Potsdam

"the Vice-Chancellor  . . . The Vice-Chancellorof all people, dare to quesrion MY fidelity to the workers of our nation? An industrialist who is itching to crack down on our workers dares to question my commitment to our working class?

Herr Mahraun was a moderating influence. His removal has proven to me that the Chancellor is little more than a puppet of his supposed deputy.

I can also confirm that the Vice-Chancellor is a lying snake. I have here proof that it was us who were approached first! Allow me to read a petter from Herr Mahraun

'Otto,

The Chancellor is fairly prepared to make me Foreign Minister if you agree to vote for his government. Please offer to, as a sign of good faith, withdraw from the general strike if I am made Foreign Minister.

Sincerely,
Artur'

Either Mahraun has approached me on his own, or the Chancellor is using him as his errand boy and has neglected to inform his Vice-Chancellor! This is not a government! This is a coalition of chaos! A many-headed viper that cannot nor will not steer to the same direction!

These  . . . These are two grievous insults to my honour. To believe i can be bought shows just how out of touch with the common people the Chancellor is! Then the Vice-Chancellor,  a wealthy businessman who has made his career trampling over unions and the worker, dares to question my commitment to the worker?! This is a man who refuses to meet with Adam Stegerwald,  a leader of the Christian Trade Unions, because of his sheer hatred for unions! This is a man who in 1913, didn't even bother to deny industrial espionage and open bribery!

This is the man who would present himself as the worker's champion?!

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler response to Wels and Hugenberg

I promised Herr Mahuran that he would remain in the cabinet. That said, I would prefer not see him as Foreign Minister because of his willingness to acknowledge our "war guilt" and his attempts to barter away Danzig, which is German territory. If he is once again made Foreign Minister, I will withdraw the support I have given this government, and reintroduce the vote of no-confidence I have withdrawn.

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg releases a second letter, responding to Wells

My fellow Germans,

The German worker of all people should know the difference between talk and action. Talk is cheap, and this is why talk was everything the Red Trifecta presiding over the strikes had to offer the workers. They called for a general strike to support their political interests and when asked by the government, they did not offer a single policy proposal to actually help the workers. Instead, they are making demands to suit their political interests! Before we came into office, we had year after year of SPD-backed governments and during them, Germany and its people took defeat after defeat. The Von Papen Government, just in a few short months, has managed to bring law and order on the streets instead of the chaotic mess there was before, it has managed to start one of the biggest public works projects, the Autobahn and is planning to do much more to fix the economic situation facing the country. We are the Government of action and concrete results, not the siren songs of the Red Trifecta, and they are now trying to stop for petty political goals! I call you to once again not let yourself be used for the interests of politicians while risking your entire livelihoods. 

[GoTfan]

Perhaps the Vice-Chancellor will take an interest in a soon-released edition of Vorwärts.

[Kingpoleon]

Adolf Hitler response to Wels and Hugenberg

I promised Herr Mahuran that he would remain in the cabinet. That said, I would prefer not see him as Foreign Minister because of his willingness to acknowledge our "war guilt" and his attempts to barter away Danzig, which is German territory. If he is once again made Foreign Minister, I will withdraw the support I have given this government, and reintroduce the vote of no-confidence I have withdrawn.

Herr Hitler’s propaganda campaign against me, depicting me as an agent of Poland, an acknowledger of war guilt, and as giving up Danzig, is insulting and was rejected by the voters, who gave me many more seats. I myself am a native son of Danzig, as he well knows - this is why that campaign failed.

As for my negotiations with Herr Wels, I undertook them on behalf of the Chancellor because I believed I had his confidence. The publicizing of private letters and discussions indicate no wrongdoing on my part or on that of the Chancellor. Nonetheless, his thus far refusal to further negotiate with me is strange. I hope this strike can be resolved peacefully and diplomatically, and I remind both the government and the strikers of the very distasteful alternative.

[Devout Centrist]

Statement from Ernst Thälmann on the Vice Chancellor's Remarks

I would encourage the Vice Chancellor to read my correspondence to him with his reading glasses on! The workers of Deutschland are engaged in an unprecedented and noble general strike to prevent the rise of Nazi influence within the Reichstag. It's clear that Chancellor von Papen intends to rely on Nazi support, whether by abstention or a firm yes, to form a government. This is unacceptable and the KPD will not stand for it. We will not compromise when it comes to the influence of the Nazi Party in the Reichstag. Our demands are clear and we urge all parties to join our anti-fascist coalition to deny Hitler and von Papen the votes that they so desire.

As for Herr Mahraun, I would encourage him to join our coalition. von Papen's equivocation on your position in the government does not bode well for your future. It is up to you decide which side you are on. Will you join the Nazi's and the DNVP in destroying the Republic? Or will you join the Anti-Fascist coalition to defeat Herr Hitler and Herr Hugenberg?

[RGM2609]

Hugenberg responds to the latest remarks

Obviously the Red Trifecta wants to denature the context of this, however our government has not agreed with any policy proposals of the National Socialists nor to any Ministerial appointments of the same party. We are going into the Reichstag with our heads up, and all parties will vote their conscience on whether or not they have confidence in us. And let me remind them, the Nazi Party, whether we like it or not, and I certainly do not, has obtained the most votes in the last election! They are viciously demonizing millions of people who chose to vote for Herr Hitler and his party by refusing to allow them fair representation in the Reichstag and even freezing the country for this goal. But the voters of the National Socialists are equal in rights with the voters of the DNVP, Zentrum, VU, SPD, Communists and all others. Herr Wells should really learn to embrace the democracy he claims to value by respecting it at all times, not only when it is suiting him.

[KaiserDave]

Character Dilemmas



Wikimedia Commons


Berlin is again a red city. Red flags at every corner, speeches for leftist and Marxist politicians at every square, and strikers marching for bread and anti-fascism at every main road. Sub committees of worker's deputies meet everywhere feasible, and the new joint KPD-SPD enterprise the "Republican Worker's Committee" holds meeting to discuss the next steps for the strike and for anti fascist solidarity. In Hamburg, in Essen it is the very same. In the countryside the farmers continue working, in the vineyards, the cow pens, and the pig sty's the daily labor goes on, and even the rail workers have returned to work to deliver coal to the major cities, but the nation still remains at least partially paralyzed. Dock workers in the streets, Saxon miners on strike, and factory hands waving anti-fascist banners. The government of the Reich is faced with a major dilemma, and everyone will play a part.

Comrade Thälmann, there has never been more revolutionary zeitgeist in Germany. It truly feels like Red October come again, and that is exactly what party hardliners are saying. Is it really necessary to continue cooperation with the "social fascists" when power in the capital is within your grasp? Is now the time for revolution?

Comrade Leow, as leader of the RFB many prominent revolutionists have come to you. Do you support an armed insurrection to end the rule of misery and robbery and bring about the new socialist age?

Herr Schumacher, the strike is on! What will you do to participate in this exciting movement?

Herr Wels, the strike goes on! So many see the SPD as the great hope for deliverance from fascism. But for how long can the strike persist? Workers are beginning to grow hungry, funds for feeding them have run out. What will the guardian of the Republic do?

Herr Mahraun, after a lengthy power struggle, at least you are back in government. Many who have become dedicated to you are looking for your take on the general strike and what you will do to save the Reich from anarchy.

Herr von Papen, you are back in government yes. But nobody envies your position. Some in the army believe that now is the time to crack down. Others in government believe negotiation is key. In any case the tasks of government go on and it is up to you.

Herr von Lettow Vorbeck, what a sudden rise for the Lion of Africa! Already returning to politics and already Reichswehr Minister. In the Reichswehr you have undertaken many measures to improve its fighting capability. But some fear that it may be tested soon, in civil war. Many believe that civil war is an inevitable reality of the future and want to act. Of course however, you are the Minister and it will be up to you to decide how the army approaches the coming months of trial.

Herr Hugenberg, you have sent your Stalhelm into Berlin, but they are not disciplined police or soldiers. They are street fighters itching for a fight. Their finger rests on the trigger of their rifles as they stare down social democrats and communists in the streets. They want a war to wipe them out. Are you going to let them satisfy their ambitions or reel them in like the wild dogs they are?

Mein Führer Hitler, the National Socialists are on the sidelines again. They are out of the headlines, only mentioned in that they provide their tacit support to conservative government. Many in the SA are growing restless, a few have even crudely drawn the Strasserist sword and hammer over their swastika armbands and gone over. Some like Röhm want to abandon von Papen to his fate and launch a national revolution, others like Göring are far more cautious. But you must pick a course.

[NewYorkExpress]

Adolf Hitler

In a speech in Berlin, Hitler warned Von Papen that he was "on a clock" to solve the strikes, or he would move to bring the down the government.

Hitler also suggested that should the strikes not be resolved, either with the Reichswehr or with early elections, the SA would step in.

[RGM2609]

Alfred Hugenberg sends a statement on the strikes


My fellow Germans,

This madness of a strike has been going on for far, far too long. The ambition of the Red Trifecta has been putting thousands and thousands of lives at risk, has been ruining our economy, has allowed for families who wanted to have nothing to do with this to lose their livelihoods. And now, as winter is coming, our cities will freeze without the railroads functioning. That is unacceptable, and will never happen under a DNVP-backed government. Our government is officially ordering the railroad workers to return to their jobs, or we will take radical steps to ensure that no German has to fight in order to survive the cold months. Our country, our national security and economical prosperity is far too important to be endangered by some mobs. Thank you.

Yours,
Vice Chancellor and Interior Minister Alfred Hugenberg

[Devout Centrist]

Thälmann Gives Remarks to the Press from the Picket Line in Berlin

If Hitler and his goons in the SA want to break the spirit of the working man, they will have to go through the KPD! The RFB has plans in place to protect striking workers from Nazi backed or state sponsored violence. We will not allow peaceful strikers to be beaten by the police or shot by the Army. If the Nazi's and the SA decide to rise up against the Republic, the fighters of the RFB will do everything in their power to hurl Herr Hitler and his thugs into the dustbin of history!

[GoTfan]

Wels addresses striking workers in Dresden: "A Republic For All"

"We are facing a momentous hour. The Vice-Chancellor has threatened to take up arms against people who are peacefully striking. These are not the actions of a man who can lead our nation. These are the actions of a ruthless anti-worker, anti-union industrialist who will do all he can to trample on the rights of the people.

The SPD on the other hand, is a party for all hard-working Germans, regardless of sex, backgrund or religion. It is this latter point I wish to address today.

There is no place in this republic for people who believe in the superiority of one religion over the other. In particular, we embrace our Catholic brothers and sisters, who have been, for too long, trod on by believers in supremacy of Lutheranism. We welcome all Germans who want to create a more equal union into our circle. We welcome the Catholic worker into our movement. We welcome men like Adam Stegerwald, who has devoted his life to the betterment of our workers despite the eagerness of this government to shut him out. We welcome men like Konrad Adenauer, who, while differing greatly in politics from us, understand that the worker is an integral part of our nation!

We welcome all who are persecuted and oppressed. We wholeheartedly condemn the attitudes of this government, and in particular of the Vice-Chancellor, who is threatening our workers, be they aligned with us, the Communists or Zentrum. This is a man who opposes unions so greatly, that he refuses to meet with Stegerwald! This is a man who has never, in his life, taken a stand for the workers on anything! This is a man who engaged in industrial sabotage against his competitors! This is a man with no boundaries and no morals!

We are resolved not to fire the first shot. But as German citizens, we have the right to defend ourselves.

Wir stehlen als eins! Fur die Republik!

Later in the Reichstag, joined by other SPD members:

"Und weil der Mensch ein Mensch ist,
drum braucht er was zum Essen, bitte sehr!
Es macht ihn ein Geschwätz nicht satt,
das schafft kein Essen her.

Drum links, zwei, drei!
Drum links, zwei, drei!
Wo dein Platz, Genosse, ist!
Reih dich ein in die Arbeitereinheitsfront,
weil du auch ein Arbeiter bist.

Und weil der Mensch ein Mensch ist,
drum braucht er auch noch Kleider und Schuh!
Es macht ihn ein Geschwätz nicht warm
und auch kein Trommeln dazu.

Drum links, zwei, drei!
Drum links, zwei, drei!
Wo dein Platz, Genosse, ist!
Reih dich ein in die Arbeitereinheitsfront,
weil du auch ein Arbeiter bist.

Und weil der Mensch ein Mensch ist,
drum hat er Stiefel im Gesicht nicht gern!
Er will unter sich keinen Sklaven seh'n
und über sich keinen Herr'n.

Drum links, zwei, drei!
Drum links, zwei, drei!
Wo dein Platz, Genosse, ist!
Reih dich ein in die Arbeitereinheitsfront,
weil du auch ein Arbeiter bist.

Und weil der Prolet ein Prolet ist,
drum wird ihn kein anderer befrei'n.
Es kann die Befreiung der Arbeiter nur
das Werk der Arbeiter sein.

Drum links, zwei, drei!
Drum links, zwei, drei!
Wo dein Platz, Genosse, ist!
Reih dich ein in die Arbeitereinheitsfront,
weil du auch ein Arbeiter bist."