Lenin was hoping for workers in Germany to revolt during WW I and join his glorious revolution. They didn’t. Why was Germany’s working class not interested when the Russian workers were?

During World War I, Lenin indeed hoped for workers in Germany to revolt and join the Russian revolution. However, the German working class did not show the same level of interest as their Russian counterparts. This divergence can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, it is important to understand the socio-political climate in Germany during this period. Unlike Russia, which was ruled by an autocratic monarchy, Germany had a constitutional monarchy with a more established political system. The German Social Democratic Party (SPD) was the largest socialist party in Germany, and it held significant influence over the working class. While the SPD supported workers’ rights and social reforms, it did not advocate for a complete overthrow of the capitalist system like Lenin and the Bolsheviks did in Russia.

Secondly, Germany’s economy experienced a different trajectory compared to Russia’s. Prior to the war, Germany was undergoing rapid industrialization and had a relatively strong economy. The working class in Germany generally enjoyed higher living standards and better working conditions compared to their Russian counterparts. This relative stability and improvement in their quality of life may have diminished the urgency and motivation for a revolutionary uprising.

Moreover, the German government implemented a range of social welfare policies that aimed to improve the lives of workers. These policies, such as the introduction of workers’ insurance and pensions, helped alleviate some of the economic hardships faced by the working class. As a result, there may have been less discontent and a reduced inclination towards radical revolutionary actions.

Furthermore, the war itself played a significant role in shaping the attitudes of the German working class. In contrast to Russia, where the war resulted in immense suffering, hunger, and disillusionment, Germany initially experienced military successes and economic growth. The German government also employed sophisticated propaganda campaigns to maintain public support for the war effort. Such factors likely mitigated widespread dissatisfaction and quelled any revolutionary sentiments among the working class.

Lastly, the German authorities actively suppressed revolutionary movements and dissent. They utilized a combination of surveillance, censorship, and repression to maintain control and prevent any revolutionary uprisings. The harsh measures taken by the government may have instilled fear and discouraged potential revolutionaries from taking action.