The assassination of Kurt Eisner, a prominent figure in the German socialist movement, took place in Munich at the hands of a right-wing extremist. Eisner had been a leading advocate for social democracy and played a critical role in establishing Bavaria as a socialist republic after World War I. His political activities were pivotal in the transition of power in Bavaria as the monarchy fell and new radical social changes took place. On the day of his assassination, a sense of unrest permeated Munich, where tensions between different political factions were high.

Eisner's death created a power vacuum that was swiftly filled by radical revolutionary groups and led to the proclamation of the Bavarian Soviet Republic. This radical government aimed to implement a socialist agenda but struggled to gain widespread acceptance. Following Eisner's assassination, many members of the parliament and the existing government fled Munich to escape the rising violence and unpredictability of the new regime. This left the Bavarian Soviet Republic to assert control in an increasingly chaotic environment.

The establishment of the Bavarian Soviet Republic reflected the broader trend of revolutionary change sweeping through Germany, as post-war dissatisfaction and economic turmoil fueled extreme political movements on both sides of the spectrum. The Republic was ultimately short-lived, facing internal divisions and external threats from nationalists and government forces aiming to restore order. Its formation and subsequent collapse serves as a key moment in understanding the rise of radical politics in post-war Germany.