International Brigades (Germany)

The International Brigades (German: Internationale Brigaden) were foreign volunteer units assembled under the guidance of the Communist International to aid the Spartacists in the German Civil War.
The Brigades existed for most of the conflict, from October 1919 to November 1920, though it was largest in mid-1920. In total, an estimated 15,000 people served in the International Brigades, with around 1,000 being killed or wounded. Although the Brigades participated in a number of battles, they played their most important role in the Battle of Berlin, where they aided in halting the advance of White Army until reinforcements could arrive. However, not all Brigadists had a combat role, with many serving as doctors, journalists, translators and propagandists, among other roles. The headquarters of the Brigadists was in the Berlin Palace.
The volunteers in the International Brigades came from all over the world, though most were from Europe. The largest amount of volunteers came from France, including a number of Great War veterans. In France and many other countries, those who served in the International Brigades often violated the law of their home country by serving. As a result, some Brigadists chose to remain in Germany after the conclusion of the civil war. All Brigadists, whether they settled in Germany or not, were granted German citizenship in December 1920.
Category:German Civil War