Alsace Soviet Republic

A short-lived revolutionary council government proclaimed in Strasbourg in November 1918, amid the collapse of German rule in Alsace-Lorraine.

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German Revolution of 1918–1919: A wave of mutinies, demonstrations, and political upheaval that ended the German Empire and established a republic. The upheaval spread from Germany into Strasbourg and enabled the council government’s proclamation.
Workers' council: An elected body of workers organized to represent and govern workplaces or communities. Strasbourg’s revolutionary authority was organized through councils of workers and soldiers.
Armistice of 11 November 1918: The agreement that ended fighting between the Allies and Germany in World War I. The armistice coincided with the French military occupation that displaced the council government.
Charles Hauss: A Strasbourg labor activist associated with the revolutionary movement of November 1918. He was among the local figures linked to the workers’ movement behind the Strasbourg councils.
Kiel Mutiny: A sailors’ revolt in October and November 1918 that helped trigger the German Revolution. News of the sailors’ uprising helped inspire Strasbourg’s sailors and workers to organize councils.
Soldiers' council: A representative body formed by soldiers to voice demands and influence military affairs. Mutinous sailors and soldiers supplied the armed force and organization behind the Strasbourg councils.
Return of Alsace-Lorraine to France: The transfer of Alsace-Lorraine from German to French control after World War I. The council government’s brief existence unfolded as French sovereignty replaced German rule.
Jean-Pierre Hirth: An Alsatian political activist involved in Strasbourg’s revolutionary events of 1918. His activism connects the council episode to local political organizing in Alsace.
German Empire: A federal monarchy that governed Germany from 1871 until its collapse in November 1918. The republic’s brief authority arose as this empire’s rule in Alsace-Lorraine collapsed.
Strasbourg: A city on the Rhine that has been governed by both France and Germany. The council government was proclaimed and briefly exercised authority in Strasbourg.