The Year Hitler, Stalin, Trotsky and Broz All Lived in Vienna
In 1913, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Leon Trotsky, and Joseph "Tito" Broz all lived in Vienna, Austria at the exact same time. Each one these leaders went on to support or become Marxist and/or socialist dictators.
Stalin, Trotsky, and Possibly Lenin
While living in Austria, only Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky were familiar with one another. It is even speculated that they may have met with Vladimir Lenin in Vienna during this time as well. Also, in January 1913, Joseph Stalin finished his book, Marxism and the National Question.
Here is a quote from the book where he makes the rather terrible observation that self-determination should only be the right of the nation, not the individual.
Social-Democracy in all countries therefore proclaims the right of nations to self-determination. The right of self-determination means that only the nation itself has the right to determine its destiny, that no one has the right forcibly to interfere in the life of the nation, to destroy its schools and other institutions, to violate its habits and customs, to repress its language, or curtail its rights.[1]
During the Bolshevik Revolution, Vladimir Lenin rose to become the communist dictator of Soviet Russia until his death in 1924. Following that, Joseph Stalin eventually became the undisputed dictator of the USSR in 1929. Also in 1929, Leon Trotsky was exiled from the USSR and found refuge in Turkey. Eventually Trotsky was assassinated near Mexico City in 1940 and it is believed Stalin hired his assassin.
Adolf Hitler
In May 1913, Adolf Hitler left Vienna and moved to Munich where he joined the Bavarian military and served during World War I and eventually found his way into the leadership of a newly founded political party in 1920.
I would argue that all of these men, simply put, were Marxist dictators. However, for some reason, some believe that Adolf Hitler was not a Marxist. Strangely enough, when people are asked to provide the difference between Marxism and socialism, the answers do not provide a very satisfactory definition differentiating between the two. Both systems promote the ownership of all means of production by the state. But socialism believes it can operate inside of a democracy, whereas Marxism is the system itself and doesn't wish to operate within a republic or a democratic state. Of course, these ideas are at best, only nice in theory.
And if Adolf Hitler wasn't a Marxist, then based on his actions, he was something much worse. And if by claiming that Adolf Hitler was not a Marxist, the goal is to make Marxism look more favorable, then let's remember that thanks to his book, nobody can argue Joseph Stalin was not a Marxist.
Joseph Broz
Joseph "Tito" Broz rose the ranks of the Yugoslavian military and after World War II, he was responsible for creating the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He was the Prime Minister from 1944 until 1963 and was also the President from 1953 until his death in 1980. Broz was able to provide resistance to Hitler's advances in the region during WWII thanks to his guerilla warfare tactics.
The death count of the citizens of various nations that came under the rule of these men is disputed, but it was millions and millions of people that died by their hands.
Important Dates
Stalin arrives in Vienna to work on Marxism and the National Question completing the manuscript.
For a brief period, Hitler, Stalin, Trotsky, and Tito are all present in Vienna at the same time.
Tito spent time in and around Vienna as a young soldier and metalworker during the same year Hitler, Stalin, and Trotsky were also present in the city.
Stalin's work is published in the Bolshevik journal Prosveshcheniye.
Hitler leaves Vienna for Munich.
Hitler served as a soldier in the German Army on the Western Front, earning decorations for bravery and experiencing the war that profoundly influenced his political outlook.
Tito was wounded and captured by Russian forces while fighting on the Eastern Front.
Tito was in Russia during the Russian Revolution and became increasingly sympathetic to Bolshevik ideas.
The February Revolution overthrew Tsar Nicholas II and ended centuries of Romanov rule in Russia.
The October Revolution brought the Bolsheviks to power under Vladimir Lenin.
Hitler joined the German Workers' Party, a small nationalist group that would evolve into the Nazi Party.
Tito returned home and joined the Communist Party of Yugoslavia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Hitler, Stalin, Trotsky, and Tito actually know each other in Vienna?
There is evidence that Stalin and Trotsky were aware of one another through revolutionary circles. However, there is no reliable evidence that all four men met or interacted personally while living in Vienna.
Why was Vienna important in 1913?
Vienna was one of Europe's largest and most influential cities before World War I. It attracted political activists, intellectuals, workers, artists, and military personnel from across the Austro-Hungarian Empire and beyond.
Was Adolf Hitler a Marxist?
Most historians classify Hitler as a fascist and ultranationalist rather than a Marxist. Although the Nazi Party included the word "Socialist" in its name, Hitler's regime persecuted Marxists and communists after taking power.
What was Stalin doing in Vienna in 1913?
Stalin traveled to Vienna while working with the Bolshevik movement and completed his essay Marxism and the National Question. The work helped establish his reputation within the revolutionary movement led by Vladimir Lenin.
What was Trotsky doing in Vienna during this period?
Trotsky lived in Vienna for several years and worked as a journalist and political writer. He used the city as a base for his revolutionary activities and maintained contacts with socialist movements across Europe.
What was Tito doing in Vienna in 1913?
Tito was a young metalworker and soldier serving in the Austro-Hungarian Army. Unlike the others, he had not yet become a major political figure and would not emerge as a communist leader until decades later.
Why is the fact that these four men lived in Vienna at the same time significant?
The coincidence is remarkable because each would later play a major role in shaping twentieth-century European history. Their decisions and leadership influenced wars, revolutions, governments, and the lives of millions of people.
Citations
- “Marxism and the National Question.” n.d. Www.marxists.org. https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/stalin/works/1913/03a.htm ↑
