5 September 1915

Compromise in Zimmerwald

When the World War broke out in 1914, the socialist parties in Europe rallied round their governments. On 5 September 1915 dissident socialists from eleven countries had a meeting in Zimmerwald, Switzerland, to discuss peace and continuation of the international class struggle. The Russian delegate Lenin held the view that this struggle should inaugurate world revolution and the end of the capitalist system. The Leftist group led by him, the Zimmerwalder Linke, judged the final manifesto of Zimmerwald a tame compromise but it was nevertheless signed. The Zimmerwalder Linke is considered a prelude to the Communist International in 1919.

See also:

•  Robert Grimm papers
•  Zimmerwald movement collection

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