Antifaschistische Aktion

Antifaschistische Aktion (German: [ˌantifaˈʃɪstɪʃə ʔakˈtsi̯oːn], lit. 'Anti-fascist Action') was a communist militant organisation in the Weimar Republic, founded and controlled by the Communist Party of Germany (KPD). Antifaschistische Aktion opposed anti-Nazi resistance efforts by moderate parties, such as the Eiserne Front (which included the Reichsbanner Schwarz-Rot-Gold and others); as well as pro-Nazi paramilitary forces, like the Sturmabteilung (SA). The group strongly opposed the Social Democratic Party of Germany and sought to establish a soviet republic in Germany.

In the postwar era, the historical organisation has inspired new groups and networks, including the German antifa movement, many of which use the aesthetics of Antifaschistische Aktion (especially the antifa moniker and logo). During the Cold War, Antifaschistische Aktion had a dual legacy in East Germany and West Germany, respectively. In East Germany, it was considered part of the history and heritage of the KPD's successor, the Socialist Unity Party of Germany. In West Germany, its aesthetics and name were embraced by Maoists and later autonomists from the 1970s.