Germany’s original Antifa—called Antifaschistische Aktion—was founded in 1932 by the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) during the final years of the Weimar Republic.
🕰️ Founding Context
Date: May 1932
Founder: KPD (Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands)
Purpose: To combat the rising threat of Nazism and fascism, especially the paramilitary Sturmabteilung (SA) or “Brownshirts”
Ideology: Marxist-Leninist, loyal to the Soviet Comintern under Ernst Thälmann’s leadership
Opposition: Not just Nazis, but also Social Democrats (SPD), whom the KPD labeled “social fascists” at the time
🔍 Key Features
Militant street activism: Clashes with Nazi and SPD paramilitary groups
Propaganda and symbolism: Red-and-black flags, slogans, and posters
Legacy: Inspired postwar anti-fascist groups in both East and West Germany, and later the decentralized Antifa movements seen today