Eugen Leviné, born on this day in 1883, was a German revolutionary communist who briefly led the Bavarian Council Republic, formed during the German Revolution, and was executed for his role in it after the Republic fell in 1919.

Eugen Levine was born to wealthy Jewish parents in St Petersberg, Russia, and became exposed to radical politics after moving to Heidelberg, Germany at a young age. In 1905, Leviné returned to Russia to participate in the failed revolution of 1905 against the Tsar and was arrested and exiled to Siberia.

After World War I ended, Leviné joined the Communist Party of Germany and helped to create a socialist republic in Bavaria. Leviné eventually rose to power as the communists assumed control of the government.

He attempted to pass many reforms, such as giving the more luxurious flats to the homeless and giving workers control and ownership of factories. Leviné also planned reforms for the education system and to abolish paper money, but did not get the chance to complete either.

The German Army, assisted by the right-wing Freikorps paramilitary invaded and quickly conquered Munich on May 3rd, 1919. Leviné himself was arrested and shot by firing squad in Stadelheim Prison.

Ex-Soviet agent Whitaker Chambers cited Leviné as an inspirational figure, writing "During the Bavarian Council Republic in 1919, Leviné was the organiser of the Workers' and Soldiers' Soviets. When the Bavarian Council Republic was crushed, Leviné was captured and court-martialed. The court-martial told him: "You are under sentence of death." Leviné answered: 'We Communists are always under sentence of death.'"

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  • Not_irony [he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    I am currently about halfway thru my travel visa, living with my partner in Germany. Not sure if I'll be able to stay, but right now my partner is willing to foot the bill of my existence, which is pretty nice. I have lots of time on my hands and am currently spending too much time doom scrolling. Thinking about starting a YouTube channel where I just record hours and hours of nature and the city around me, or maybe a blog or podcast where I bare witness to the end of the society. What would you be doing in my place? I'm trying enjoy it, but everything is bittersweet, since you know gestures broadly