Intellectual background Kreisau Circle

1 intellectual background

1.1 german youth movement

1.1.1 löwenberger arbeitsgemeinschaften (löwenberger working groups)


1.2 religious socialism in germany

intellectual background

the members of kreisau circle heavily influenced popular movements in germany followed world war i, notably german youth movement , german religious socialism. although motivated differing ideologies (the german youth movement in return nature , religious socialism in return christian values), each faction inspired resistance nazi regime encouraging followers reconsider traditionally rigid political, social, , religious distinctions , engage in discourse disagreed them. these fundamental similarities created environment allowed persons of variety of backgrounds meet , participate in intellectual resistance third reich.

german youth movement

the german youth movement characterized creation of various youth organizations emphasized return nature beginning in 1896. example, wandervogel, youth movement arose in 20th century, encouraged youth reject middle-class upbringings overemphasized materialism. movement stressed importance of individual , emboldened them pursue interests rather follow traditional class expectations.

 many members of german youth groups sent war in 1913. following great losses during war, young men found fascinated volkish ideology, or idea of reunification of german people transcended class distinctions. while preoccupation volk made easy transition nazi ideology, others such hermuth von moltke, roots in youth movement questioned status quo led them resist regime undermined freedom sought through youth organizations.

löwenberger arbeitsgemeinschaften (löwenberger working groups)

an extension of german youth movement, löwenberger arbeitsgemeinschaften organization of college professors, youth movement leaders, unemployed workers, students, , farmers came work in work camps , discuss social , political issues , solve problems silesia faced (i.e. high unemployment) in aftermath of wwi. between days of march 14 , april 1, 1928, approximately one-hundred people variety of backgrounds came first silesian work camp. in mornings, participants partake in physical labor. followed lecture courses, discussion groups, , leisure time. 2 additional camps followed in 1929 , 1930. 1 participant described time @ camps, representatives of 3 social groups in nation able achieve common language had proved beyond grasp of older generation. group such this, formed cross-section of community, capable of rising above class , party interests . camp allowed participants cooperate people of different upbringings , discuss how work common of community. lesson people of differing social classes , political views collaborate influence helmuth james von moltke in construction of kreisau circle, himself important contributor löwenberger movement.

religious socialism in germany

religious socialism in 20th century germany influenced members of kreisau circle. movement notably characterized work of paul tillich, sought fashion socialism ideology complimentary christian faith. looked create “socialist political forms rooted in religious substance”. tillich called socialism “theonomous”. tillich emphasized importance of social justice defined demand society in possible every individual , every group live meaningfully , purposefully, demand meaningful society . youth movements, religious socialism challenged conventional political divisions. movement asked followers not focus on differences between christianity , socialism rather see how 2 work create better society. harald poelchau, member of kreisau circle, close follower of tillich, , other members such horst von einsiedel, carl dietrich von trotha, adolf reichwein, , adam von trott zu solz affiliated religious socialism.