Who Were the "November Criminals"?
The term "November criminals" refers primarily to the politicians and leaders of Germany who accepted the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. This label was used particularly by the Nazis and their supporters to blame these individuals for Germany's defeat and subsequent hardships.
1. Bolsheviks
- The Bolsheviks were a revolutionary socialist faction in Russia, responsible for the October Revolution in 1917. They are not directly associated with the term "November criminals," as it pertains specifically to Germany.
2. Jews
- The term was also used by anti-Semitic groups, including the Nazis, to implicate Jewish people in Germany's post-war struggles. They falsely accused Jews of being responsible for the nation's betrayal and the signing of the armistice.
3. Nazis
- The Nazis, led by Adolf Hitler, popularized the term "November criminals" to vilify their political opponents, particularly those involved in the Weimar Republic. They argued that these politicians betrayed the German military by signing the armistice in November 1918, leading to national humiliation.
4. Socialist Catholics and Democrats
- This group includes various politicians from the Weimar Republic, such as Social Democrats and Catholic centrists. They were blamed for accepting the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles and were labeled as traitors by the Nazis.
Conclusion
In summary, the term "November criminals" primarily targets German politicians, with the Nazis using it to blame Jews and others for Germany's perceived downfall after World War I. The propaganda was effective in fostering national resentment and justifying extremist ideologies.

socialist Catholics and Democrats