The Collapse of the Second International/Appendix 2
Appendix II.
Resolution of the Chemnitz Conference of the German Social-Democratic Party.[1]
Imperialism.
Production, which is developing at a fast rate, calls for the extension of market, but the conditions of existence of the exploited proletariat have only become worse. And following on the colossal accumulations of capital, new spheres for investment are being sought, as well as new possibilities for intensifying the process of increasing and producing economic wealth.
Hand in hand with the growing exports of commodities and capital, of means of production and transportation, the world interchange of commodities is carried on on an ever larger scale. Thus the profit-making system which is embracing the whole world is being more and more extended. The employers' organisations, such as the cartells and trusts, which are energetically supported by protective tariffs and which more and more tend to dominate economic life will make effective use of their influence over the policy of their respective States, so that governmental power may be placed at the service of their aspirations for foreign expansion, in order that large portions of the world’s economic regions be included in the sphere of their influence and domination, and that foreign rivals be excluded. To achieve this end coercion of the grossest kind is regarded as permissible as long as there is a guarantee of success. The unblushing policy of plunder and annexation, whose anti-national character was branded by the Party Conference at Mainz as long ago as 1900, is a consequence of these imperialistic aspirations for expansion. In order that marauding expeditions may be carried out successfully and booty be secured, instruments of murder are being multiplied and perfected in an unheard-of degree.
Between States whose capitalist class has the same need for expansion and which, to satisfy this need, pursues the same aims, arise grievous conflicts and sharp antagonisms which in their turn stimulate the present mad growth of armaments.
The danger thus created and which bears in its womb the countless miseries of a world war is being rendered still more acute by the shameless agitation on the part of the capitalist magnates and junkers who have a special interest in supplying war materials, in enlarging the bureaucratic apparatus, and in filling the leading posts in the army and navy.
Imperialism increases the power of the jingo firebrands, threatens the right of trade union organisation, and retards the advance of a social policy. The expenditure on armaments piles upon the masses an unbearable burden, while their health is undermined in the increased cost of articles of prime necessity.
All the bourgeois parties have entered upon the path of imperialism; they agreed unanimously to satisfy all demands of the army and navy. Social Democracy struggles most persistently against all imperialist and jingoistic aspirations wherever they make their appearance and, on the other hand, unflinchingly creates the international solidarity of the proletariat which nowhere cherishes hostile feelings for other nations.
And though imperialism, which is an effect of the capitalist economic system, can be overthrown only together with the capitalist system, we must not lose a single opportunity of nullifying its actions, which are dangerous to all.
The Party Conference declares its resolute will to do all in its power to establish mutual understanding between nations and to safeguard peace.
The Party Conference demands that by means of international agreements an end be put to the mad rivalry of armaments which threatens peace and brings mankind so quickly to the brink of the most terrible catastrophe.
The Party Conference demands that for the policy of greed for annexations and conquests be substituted the policy of a free world interchange of commodities and the abolition of the system of protective tariffs, which latter serves merely to enrich capitalist magnates and large landowners.
The Party Conference expects the members of the Party to apply tirelessly their whole strength to building up the political, trade union, and co-operative organisations of the class-conscious proletariat to the end that imperialism may be fought with more and more energy until it be overthrown. For the task of the proletariat is to turn capitalism, which has reached the highest degree of development, into socialist society, and thus to safeguard a lasting peace and the independence and freedom of nations.
Printed by the National Labour Press. Ltd., 30, Blackfriars Street, Manchester; and Published by the Socialist Labour Press, 50, Renfrew Street, Glasgow.
- ↑ Moved by Haase, and passed on September 20th. 1912. Only 3 votes against with 2 abstentions.