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Leo JogichesAn activist in the Polish-Lithuanian and German workers' communist movement, head of the KKE
Date of Birth: 17.07.1867
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Leo Jogiches: A Life of Revolutionary Activism
- Revolutionary Activities in Russia
- Role in the Polish Social Democratic Party
- Involvement in the German Social Democratic Party
- Escape, Return, and Continued Activism
- Spartakusbund and Communist Party of Germany
- Assassination
- Personal Life
Leo Jogiches: A Life of Revolutionary Activism
Early Life and EducationLeo Jogiches was born on July 17, 1867, in Vilnius, Lithuania, into a wealthy Polish-Jewish family. At the age of 18, he established one of the first underground socialist circles in Vilnius, using the pseudonym "Levka."
Revolutionary Activities in Russia
In 1883, Jogiches joined forces with Charles Rappoport and Lyubov Axelrod to lead a revolutionary circle. He became a Marxist and faced arrests in 1888 and 1889. In 1890, he emigrated to Zurich, Switzerland, where he met and began a romantic relationship with Rosa Luxemburg.
Role in the Polish Social Democratic Party
Jogiches played a pivotal role in the Social Democratic Party of Poland and Lithuania (SDKPiL), serving as one of its leaders and editor of its publications. He attempted to collaborate with Plekhanov's group "Emancipation of Labor," but their relationship turned hostile.
Involvement in the German Social Democratic Party
In 1900, Jogiches relocated to Berlin. In November 1905, he traveled to Warsaw with Rosa Luxemburg and Julian Marchlewski to participate in the revolution in the Kingdom of Poland. He was arrested in March 1906 and sentenced to eight years of hard labor and lifelong exile in Siberia.
Escape, Return, and Continued Activism
Jogiches escaped prison in 1907 and returned to Berlin. At the 5th Congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party (RSDLP) in London, he was elected as a candidate member of the Central Committee. In 1907, he ended his relationship with Rosa Luxemburg.
Spartakusbund and Communist Party of Germany
During World War I, Jogiches helped form the internationalist movement within the Social Democratic Party of Germany. In 1916, he became one of the founders and leaders of the Spartacus League and editor of its publications. He was also a founding member of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) and was elected to its Central Committee.
Assassination
Following the failed Spartacist uprising and the murders of Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht in January 1919, Jogiches became the leader of the KPD. However, on March 9, 1919, he was arrested and executed with a shot to the back of the head.
Personal Life
Jogiches maintained a love affair with the 18-year-old Rosa Luxemburg.
