German Resistance Memorial Center - Topic 'Resistance from the Labor Movement'


	Topic - Resistance from the Labor Movement

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Introduction

Arrests following the burning of the Reichstag

Conflict with National Socialism Even Before 1933

The first resistance against the policies of the National Socialists came out of the ranks of the labor movement with its rich tradition. Even before 1933, Communists, Socialists, Social Democrats, and labor union members had sought to defend themselves against Hitler's ideas and goals. A united defensive front from within the labor movement did not materialize, however, because of the irreconcilable differences between Communists and Social Democrats. The labor union leadership even went as far as to seek a compromise with Hitler's government.

Denial of Rights and Suppression

The burning of the Reichstag (parliament building) on February 27, 1933 provided Hitler with the excuse for suspending civil rights on the very next day. Many Communists and Social Democrats were publicly persecuted and arrested. Some managed to flee abroad, where they intended to continue the struggle against Hitler's dictatorship. Others went underground and managed to organize illegal regional party circles or opposition groups. Political graffiti, leaflets, and pamphlets characterized the resistance of the labor movement initially.

Attempts to Unify the Labor Movement

Some individuals attempted to overcome the division within the labor movement through resistance. Supporters of unification efforts came together primarily in the groups Neu Beginnen (New Beginning), Roter Stoßtrupp (Red Shock Troop), and Sozialistische Aktion (Socialist Action). Yet despite examples of self-assertion, the tendency among workers was primarily to conform to National Socialism. The National Socialists sought to gain the support of the workers by making apparent concessions. May 1, the traditional day of mass demonstrations by the labor movement, was declared a legal holiday before the labor unions were prohibited.

Oppression and Terror

By 1935, the grip of the police and the judicial system had become increasingly tight. Mass trials and concentration camps were intended to convince the supporters of the old labor movement that their struggle was in vain. The willingness of most Germans to submit to the demands and goals of the National Socialist state increasingly undermined the will to resist among Communists, Social Democrats, and labor union members.

Tenacity of the Will to Resist

Despite this, persecuted and oppressed people continued to defend themselves: They criticized Hitler's government at work and in their neighborhoods, acted as couriers, distributed printed material, and assisted the families of imprisoned fellow party members.