Sailor's rebellion in Kiel (November 1918)

Sailor's rebellion in Kiel

On 3 November 1918, as massive demonstrations ensue for the release of the sailors involved in the mutiny in Wilhelmshaven on 28 October 1918, seven demonstrators are shot to death by a military patrol.

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Gustav Noske, emissary of the Reich government of Max Prinz von Baden, is addressing workers and sailors before his departure to Kiel

This event becomes the impetus for an armed rebellion by the war-weary sailors in Kiel. Soon red flags of revolution are flying from the warships. By the evening of 4 November the rebels have Kiel under their control. They elect the first „workers’ and soldiers’ council“ of the „Revolution of 1918-1919“. During the following days, almost all German cities witness the formation of revolutionary councils which call for the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and for democratic reforms in Germany.

On 3 October 1918, Max Prinz von Baden is appointed Reich Chancellor. For days the sailors of the German high seas fleet have mutinied. Revolution is in the air. Max Prinz von Baden, who had been appointed Reich Chancellor on 3 October 1918, announces on 9 November 1918 the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Without requisite constitutional legitimation he charges the chairman of the SPD, Friedrich Ebert, with maintaining the affairs of the Reich Chancellor’s office. Events in Berlin gain momentum. The same day Philipp Scheidemann (SPD) calls for a democratic republic. A few hours later Karl Liebknecht (Spartacus League) announces the founding of a „free socialist republic of councils“, and a general strike breaks out in the capital city.

On 10 November 1918, Kaiser Wilhelm II goes into exile in the Netherlands. At the same time, in Berlin, the six-member „Council of People’s Representatives“ is formed. To this provisional Reich government belong the „majority social democrats“ Friedrich Ebert, Otto Landsberg, and Philipp Scheidemann as well as the „independent social democrats“ Hugo Haase, Emil Barth, and Wilhelm Dittmann. The council secures military support through a „pact“ between Ebert and the new chief of the Supreme Military Command (OHL), Wilhelm Groener. In the meantime, workers’ and soldiers’ councils are being formed throughout the country.