Karl Liebknecht

Author Code: GKLX

Educated at Leipzig University and Berlin University, Liebknecht served with the Pioneer Guards in 1893-94 which strengthened his socialist leanings. He received his doctorate in 1897 and in 1899 opened a law office with his brother Theodor. During the years preceding the First World War, Liebknecht defended many Social Democrats in political trials. He became a deputy of the Reichstag for the SPD and was fervently against the war. In 1914, together with Rosa Luxemburg, Ernest Meyer and others, he formed the Spartacist League. His continued criticism of the war led to his being sent to the eastern front, but he returned in 1915 because of ill health. He was imprisoned in May, 1916 and sentenced to 4 years for dissent, but was released in October, 1918 during the general amnesty. On November 9, he declared the formation of a free socialist republic at the same time that the Weimar Republic was being established. In early 1919, he formed the German communist party with Rosa Luxemburg, et al, and instigated the Spartacist uprising. Captured together with Rosa Luxemburg by Freikorps troops loyal to Weimar, he was tortured and finally executed by them on Jan. 15, 1919. The majority of Liebknecht's works take the form of speeches and pamphlets.