| Primary Source |
| 20th Cent. | Germany | Weimar Republic | [P|S|M] |
Philipp Scheidemann (SPD), Proclamation of the Republic, November 8th 1918
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"Workers
and soldiers ! The four war years were horrible, gruesome the sacrifices the
people had to make in property and blood; the unfortunate war is over. The
killing is over. The consequences of the war, need and suffering, will burden us
for many years. The defeat we strove so hard to avoid, under all circumstances,
has come upon us. Our suggestions regarding an understanding were sabotaged, we
personally were mocked and ignored. The enemies of the working class, the real,
inner enemies who are responsible for Germany's collapse, they have turned
silent and invisible. They were the home warriors, which upheld their conquest
demands until yesterday, as obstinate as they fought the struggle against any
reform of the constitution and especially of the deplorable Prussian election
system. These enemies of the people are finished forever. The Kaiser has
abdicated. He and his friends have disappeared; the people have won over all of
them, in every field. Prince Max von Baden has handed over the office of Reich
chancellor to representative Ebert. Our friend will form a new government
consisting of workers of all socialist parties. This new government may not be
interrupted, in their work to preserve peace and to care for work and bread.
Workers and soldiers, be aware of the historic importance of this day :
exorbitant things have happened. Great and incalculable tasks are waiting for
us. Everything for the people. Everything by the people. Nothing may
happen to the dishonour of the Labour Movement. Be united, faithful and
conscientious.The old and rotten, the monarchy has collapsed. The new may live.
Long live the German Republic !"
ca. 1924, repeated
Dokument in deutscher Sprache
| | Source: Deutsches Rundfunkarchiv (German Radio Archive), Frankfurt am Main; Translator: A. Ganse |
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