(March 1, 2025)

On October 30, 1918, the naval garrison of Wilhelmshaven resisted the order to launch the operation against the British forces. Arrested by their officers, the mutineers were then brought to Kiel, where the local dock crews and workers joined their struggle. The rebellion soon spread through the coastal town, with soldiers and workers creating a council to demand the release of mutineers, freedom of speech, and the immediate stop of “all military measures” against the movement. Fearing the outbreak of a revolution, members of the Reichstag hastily traveled to Kiel, where they promised to accept the Soldiers’ and Workers’ Council demands.

By the time the government representatives arrived in Kiel, anti-war and pro-democracy protests had already reached countless coastal towns and ports.