In WWI who would have been described as having....?

Question

the red armlets of social-democracy, who attacked any officer wearing the Iron Cross.

I figured the officers wearing the Iron Cross were German. What about the attackers?

Answer 1

You are probably referring to the revolt in germany at the end of the war, when communist and social-democrats tried to take over power.The two major parties behind this were the KPD and the SPD.

Answer 2

Allies were the enemies of the men with crosses but the latter were defeated by the attackers.