Clara Zetkin

Date of Birth: July 5, 1857

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: June 20, 1933

Biography

Clara Zetkin was a prominent German Marxist theorist, activist, and advocate for women’s rights. Born Clara Eissner on July 5, 1857, in Wiederau, Saxony, she became one of the most influential socialist figures of her time. Zetkin was deeply involved in the socialist movement from a young age, influenced by her relationship with Ossip Zetkin, a Russian revolutionary, whom she later married. She played a pivotal role in the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), and later in the Communist Party of Germany (KPD). Zetkin is best known for her tireless work in advancing the cause of women’s rights within the socialist framework. She organized the first International Women’s Day in 1911, which has since become a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality. Throughout her life, Zetkin faced political persecution, especially after the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. She spent her final years in exile in the Soviet Union, where she continued her activism until her death on June 20, 1933. Zetkin left behind a legacy of dedication to social justice and equality, influencing generations of activists worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Clara Zetkin

1. Clara Zetkin was instrumental in the establishment of International Women’s Day, first celebrated on March 19, 1911.

2. She was a close ally of Rosa Luxemburg, another significant figure in the socialist movement, and together they pushed for revolutionary changes within the SPD.

3. Zetkin was a member of the Reichstag (German Parliament) from 1920 to 1933, representing the Communist Party of Germany (KPD).

4. She was exiled from Germany in 1932 due to her political activities and spent her remaining years in the Soviet Union.

5. Zetkin was a prolific writer and editor, contributing to various socialist publications, including “Die Gleichheit” (Equality), a journal focused on women’s issues.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Clara Zetkin

1. “When the men are silent, it is our duty to raise our voices on behalf of our ideals.”

2. “Given the same education and living conditions as men, women can achieve the same results.”

3. “The proletarian woman fights hand in hand with the man of her class against capitalist society.”

4. “The workers’ movement was and is the best school for the proletarian woman.”

5. “The most important thing in a democracy is that we must respect the will of the people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Clara Zetkin was not known for accumulating personal wealth; her highest net worth is not documented as she dedicated her life to political activism and social causes rather than personal financial gain.

Children

Clara Zetkin had two sons, Maxim and Konstantin Zetkin. Both were born from her marriage to Ossip Zetkin, a fellow revolutionary. Maxim Zetkin went on to become a physician and worked in the Soviet Union.