The Freikorps, paramilitary units active in Germany following World War I, held a fervent and deeply nationalistic set of beliefs characterized by extreme militarism, anti-communism, and profound racial prejudice. Their ideology laid a groundwork for later far-right movements in Germany.
Core Beliefs of the Freikorps
The Freikorps' worldview was shaped by the defeat in World War I, the Treaty of Versailles, and the societal upheaval of the Weimar Republic's early years. Their key beliefs included:
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Militant Nationalism and Militarism:
The Freikorps glorified military virtues, order, and discipline. They saw themselves as the guardians of German honor and sought to restore a strong, authoritarian state, believing the civilian government of the Weimar Republic was weak and had betrayed Germany. Their identity was intrinsically linked to a soldierly existence and a desire for national resurgence. -
Vehement Anti-Communism and Anti-Bolshevism:
A central tenet of Freikorps ideology was their fierce opposition to communism and Bolshevism. They actively suppressed communist uprisings within Germany, most notably the Spartacist uprising in Berlin. Beyond Germany's borders, they engaged in brutal combat against communist and Bolshevik forces in Eastern Europe, including East Prussia, Latvia, Silesia, and Poland. They viewed communists and Bolsheviks as an existential threat to Germany and civilization. -
Profound Anti-Slavic Racism:
The Freikorps' anti-Bolshevik stance was often intertwined with intense racial prejudice. They demonstrated fervent anti-Slavic racism, viewing Slavs, particularly in the context of fighting in Eastern Europe, and Bolsheviks as "sub-human hordes of ravening wolves." This dehumanizing perspective fueled their brutal actions and underscored a belief in racial hierarchies. -
Opposition to the Weimar Republic and Democracy:
Many Freikorps members despised the nascent democratic system of the Weimar Republic. They saw it as a product of defeat and a betrayal of Germany's military tradition, advocating instead for a return to a more authoritarian or monarchical form of government that they believed would restore national strength and glory. -
Racial Superiority and Social Darwinism:
While not a fully developed racial ideology like Nazism, the Freikorps' anti-Slavic views indicated an underlying belief in German racial superiority and a Social Darwinist outlook. They believed in a struggle for survival among nations and races, where only the strong and "pure" should prevail. -
Desire for Revenge and Restoration:
A deep sense of betrayal following the Treaty of Versailles and the collapse of the German Empire fueled a desire among Freikorps members for revenge against those they perceived as responsible for Germany's downfall (internal "enemies" like socialists and external powers). They sought to restore Germany's perceived greatness and lost territories.
Summary of Freikorps Ideology
| Core Beliefs | Primary Opponents and Targets | Driving Sentiments |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme Nationalism | Perceived national weakness, Treaty of Versailles | Restoration of German glory, national pride |
| Militarism | Civilian government, pacifism, democratic institutions | Discipline, order, strong leadership |
| Anti-Communism/Bolshevism | Spartacists, Soviet Russia, communist movements | Fear of revolution, preservation of traditional order |
| Anti-Slavic Racism | Slavic peoples, Eastern European populations | Dehumanization, racial superiority |
| Anti-Weimar Republic | Democracy, parliamentary system, perceived liberalism | Desire for authoritarian rule, stability |
| Desire for Revenge | "November Criminals," Allied Powers | Retribution, reclaiming lost honor |
For more detailed information on the Freikorps, you can consult historical resources on post-World War I Germany and the rise of right-wing extremism.
