David Wijnkoop
Netherlands- Herman Gorter: A Life of Political Activism
- Early Life and Political Involvement
- Socialist Internationalism
- Rise and Fall in the CPN
- Communist Party of Holland-Central Committee
- Resistance and Death
Herman Gorter: A Life of Political Activism
Herman Gorter, born in Amsterdam into a rabbi's family, was a prominent figure in the Dutch communist movement.
Early Life and Political Involvement
In 1898, Gorter joined the Social Democratic Workers' Party of the Netherlands (SDAP). Along with W. van Ravesteyn and J. Seton, he founded the newspaper "De Tribune" in 1907, which became a platform for opposition within the SDAP. The "Tribunists" were expelled from the party in 1909 for criticizing its leadership.
Socialist Internationalism
During World War I, Gorter emerged as an "internationalist," collaborating on the magazine "Vorbote." In 1918, he was elected to the Dutch parliament and co-founded the Communist Party of the Netherlands (CPN).
Rise and Fall in the CPN
Gorter served as chairman of the CPN and became a member of the Executive Committee of the Comintern. However, in 1925, he was removed from his position and expelled from the party for a perceived "left deviation."
Communist Party of Holland-Central Committee
Together with other expelled groups, Gorter formed the Communist Party of Holland-Central Committee (CPG-CC). In 1930, he reconciled with the CPN and rejoined its ranks.
Resistance and Death
During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Gorter went into hiding under the alias "de Vries." He passed away in Amsterdam in 1941, leaving behind a legacy of political activism.
