In October 1955, MI5 raided a house in north London.
Ronald Berger was storing British Communist Party files.
While Berger was away, 48,000 documents were copied in the operation known as ‘Operation Party Piece’.
Eric Hobsbawm's Background
Autobiography Submission: Hobsbawm submitted a questionnaire to the Communist Party, indicating he joined in 1936.
Early Influences: Hobsbawm's communist identity was shaped by his experiences in Berlin during the rise of Hitler.
Family Background: Born in 1917 in Alexandria, Egypt. His father was English, his mother Austrian.
Childhood Challenges: Faced family struggles, including the death of his father and mother's illness.
Hobsbawm's Political Journey
Communism in Weimar Republic: Hobsbawm became a militant communist during the political chaos in Germany (1931-33).
Migration to England: Moved to London in 1933, adjusted to English life while becoming an influential historian.
Academic Life: Attended King's College, Cambridge; joined the Communist Party.
Career as a Historian
Innovative Historian: Known for writing accessible history that engaged a broad audience.
Influence of Jazz: Developed a passion for jazz, which became part of his writing and lectures.
Publications: Authored influential works including "The Age of Revolution," tracing the modern world from 1789 to 1991.
Significant Historical Contributions
Age of Revolution: Discusses the socio-economic changes that shaped modern Europe and the role of nationalism.
Critique of Capitalism: Hobsbawm argued against the notion that the living standards of the working class improved during early industrialization.
Marxist Historical Approach: Co-founded the Communist Party Historians Group; focused on integrating Marxist theory with broader historical narratives.
Later Life and Legacy
Political Activism: Advocated for democratic reforms within the Communist Party during Stalin's revelations.
Critique of Modern Politics: Expressed doubts about the direction of the Labour Party under Tony Blair.
Final Years: Lived productively, retaining an interest in history and music until his death in 2012.
Conclusion
Hobsbawm’s works continue to influence historical discourse with his unique blend of Marxist ideology and broad historical analysis.