The workers' struggle at the turn of the century is depicted through the story of the Schulz family. The year is 1889 and Bismarck's Socialist Laws, which sought to hinder the activities of the Social Democratic Party, are still in effect.

Schulz, a locomotive fitter, is active in the Social Democratic underground and is given the responsibility of transporting money from Berlin to support striking mine workers in the Rührgebiet region. Meanwhile, the police attempt to convict Schulz for illegal political activities, causing hardship for his family.