Theorie und Praxis des Generalstreiks in der modernen Arbeiterbewegung Inauguraldissertation

The dissertation offers a systematic examination of the general strike as it emerged in the early twentieth‑century workers’ movement. Drawing on a wide range of newspaper reports, union congress records, and contemporary political essays, the author maps how the idea moved from occasional agitation to a central strategic question for socialist parties. The introductory chapters outline the methodological challenge of untangling the general strike from more limited labor actions, emphasizing its ties to broader social demands.

Building on this foundation, the study defines the general strike as a class‑wide cessation of work aimed at confronting state power rather than merely improving sectoral conditions. It surveys notable episodes, such as the Austrian coal miners’ walk‑out and the French socialist congresses, extracting lessons about organization, public perception, and governmental response. Listeners will gain a clear sense of how theoretical debates and practical experience intersected at a pivotal moment in labor history, shedding light on ideas that continue to influence modern collective action.