Unmasking the Secret Past of the 1910 Moabit Uprising

In the heart of Berlin, nestled between rivers and canals, lies the industrial island of Moabit. Once a swampy area inhabited by Huguenot refugees, it transformed into Berlin's industrial centre in the second half of the 19th century with the construction of factories.

One such factory was Kupfer & Co., a coal depot that became the epicentre of a turbulent protest in 1910. The strike was led by Hugo Stinnes, a ruthless capitalist aiming to undersell the competition. Stinnes refused the coalmen's demand for a seven pfennigs raise per hour, turning a mundane strike into a military confrontation after a week.

The Moabit Unrest was marked by clashes between workers and police, with four British and American journalists beaten by the police despite SPD leaders wanting nothing to do with the riots. The battle of Rostocker Straße saw police discharging 173 rounds in one night, and two striking workers were killed by sabre blows.

Residents of Moabit, enraged by the police occupation of their neighbourhood, were active participants in the unrest. Socialist anthems echoed in the evenings as the community came together in protest. Hundreds of Moabiters were likely injured during the riots, with detectives waiting to arrest anyone seeking hospital treatment.

Despite the intensity of the protests, only 14 people were convicted of disturbing the peace after the Moabit Unrest, with a total sentence of 67.5 months. The strike ended in defeat, with the coalmen of Kupfer & Co. returning to work on October 10 without a raise.

Nathaniel Flakin, a left-wing activist and author living in Berlin, has shed light on this significant chapter of Berlin's history in his book "Revolutionary Berlin: A Walking Tour". The book explores the history of the left and revolutionary movements in Berlin, focusing on places and events that were crucial for the workers' movement, socialism, and revolutionary politics.

"Revolutionary Berlin" offers a historical overview of the development of left-wing movements in Berlin, from the early days of socialism to modern social movements. Flakin uses a guidebook format to narrate Berlin's history through walks along historical sites.

Flakin is also known for his contributions to left-wing and socialist media, as well as his participation in political debates and events. His work focuses on understanding and promoting left-wing politics and history.

Today, the AEG turbine factory in Moabit continues the same production line as a century ago, a testament to the area's industrial past. The name Moabit is believed to be a mispronunciation of "Moorgebiet", meaning "swamp area". Despite its turbulent history, Moabit remains an integral part of Berlin's rich and diverse tapestry.