The movement venerated "heroic proletarian men" and "physical prowess" as the ultimate revolutionary qualities. While the party's program officially supported egalitarianism, the reality of street fighting often masculinized its image and alienated many women.
The title refers to a landmark historical work by Eric D. Weitz, which provides a comprehensive social and political history of the movement from its roots in the late 19th century through the collapse of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1990. Overview of the Movement's Evolution Creating German Communism, 1890-1990
The leadership of the GDR ultimately became tragically removed from the desires of its people, remaining "imprisoned" in the confrontational policies of their early history. Creating German Communism, 1890-1990 Creating German Communism, 1890-1990