Kapp Putsch memorial Stele

Amidst the bustling energy of Berlin, the Kapp Putsch memorial Stele stands as a silent testament to a turbulent chapter in German history. The Kapp Putsch memorial Stele, located in the Grünwald district of Berlin, commemorates the workers who lost their lives during the suppression of the Kapp Putsch in March 1920. This unassuming stone monument, dedicated on March 19, 1977, bears a poignant inscription. It reads: “To the workers of the Berlin-Köpenick district in memory, who lost their lives in March 1920 during the suppression of the reactionary Kapp Putsch.” The Kapp Putsch was a short-lived but significant coup attempt by right-wing and militaristic groups aiming to overthrow the Weimar Republic. The putsch, led by Wolfgang Kapp and Walther von Lüttwitz, took place from March 13th to 17th, 1920. Driven by opposition to the Treaty of Versailles and the reduction of the German army, the putschists seized control of Berlin. The government was forced to flee. However, a nationwide general strike, organized by the trade unions, paralyzed the country and brought the putsch to its knees within just four days. The Kapp Putsch memorial Stele specifically honors the workers of Köpenick who joined the general strike and resisted the putsch. One such individual, Otto Pfeiffer, is remembered as a leader of the resistance in Grünwald. Another worker from Grünwald, Paul Seelisch, tragically lost his life during the fighting in Adlershof on March 19, 1920. The Kapp Putsch memorial Stele serves as a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of resistance against extremist forces. The general strike that defeated the putsch stands as a testament to the power of collective action. It highlights the crucial role played by ordinary workers in defending democratic values. The Kapp Putsch memorial Stele is more than just a stone. It’s a symbol of courage, resilience, and the enduring fight for freedom. The Kapp Putsch memorial Stele stands as a sobering reminder of the struggles faced by the Weimar Republic and the ever-present threat of extremism.