In 1932, Germany was spiraling into chaos as political extremism gained a foothold, leading to violent confrontations between rival factions. One of the most notable disturbances occurred in Altona, a neighborhood of Hamburg, where the Nazi Party's paramilitary forces, known as the SA (Sturmabteilung) and SS (Schutzstaffel), engaged in a fierce clash with members of the German Communist Party (KPD). The violence erupted during an election campaign, highlighting the growing unrest and polarization in the country. As both sides amassed supporters, tensions boiled over into open conflict in the streets.

The riot in Altona is marked by its brutality, with both sides using weapons in the confrontations. Reports indicated that numerous individuals were injured during this violent encounter; however, the exact casualty figures remain disputed. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of running battles, as groups of antagonists clashed, illustrating the deep divisions in German society at the time. The conflict was not just a local occurrence; it was emblematic of the widespread civil disorder that was ravaging Germany as political factions sought to assert their dominance.

This riot was indicative of the social climate leading up to the elections of 1932, where the Nazis would ultimately gain significant ground. The direct confrontation between these opposing groups was reflective of the broader power struggle in the waning days of the Weimar Republic. The events in Altona underscored the severity of radicalization in German politics, foreshadowing the complete collapse of democratic institutions just a year later when the Nazis would rise to power.