Bloody May in Berlin

© AIZ Frontpage of the Illustrated Workers Magazine: Scene during the demonstration on 1 May

On 1 May 1929 in Berlin violent street battles erupt between the police and members of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD), in particular the Red Combatants’ League (RFB). Berlin’s police superintendent immediately declares a state of emergency in the workers’ districts of Wedding and Neukölln. 13,000 policemen are deployed brandishing firearms. After three days of unrest the toll amounts to 33 dead and over 200 injured. Because of Berlin’s so-called Bloody May the SPD-lead Prussian government will outlaw the RFB a short time later.

© AIZ Berlin’s police superintendent Zörgiebel (SPD, in civilian dress) with the Berlin chief constable Colonel Heinsberg