The Retreat from Democracy

1. The Retreat from Democracy

2. Move towards authoritarianism • Throughout much of central and eastern Europe, the uncertainty of the post-war years allowed for authoritarian leaders to consolidate power. • These nations were often economically stagnant, divided over social issues, and politically divided. • The Great Depression furthered these problems.

3. Hungary • Despite being a constitutional government, Hungary continued to be dominated through rigged elections by the old Magyar aristocracy. • Fascism slowly grew in appeal, as did anti-Semitism. • Even so, Hungary never became a full-fledged dictatorship.

4. Romania • Romania’s liberal government gave way to the rule of King Carol II, who admired Mussolini. • The Iron Guard became the leader of fascist inspired activities in Romania. • The government stripped most Jews of land and rights, tightened censorship and imposed martial law. • In the late 1930’s, Romania turned away from Fascism.

5. Yugoslavia • King Alexander I assumed dictatorial powers in 1929 in an attempt to suppress the growing nationalism of Serbians, Croats, and Slovenians. • The nation drew closer to Germany and Italy, but turned back to democratic rule in the late 1930’s. King Alexander I

6. Bulgaria • Bulgaria experienced a military coup in 1934 which began a turn more toward fascism. • But, like in many other states, Bulgaria moved back toward liberal measures. • This was done for the support of France and Britain against a belligerent Germany and because fascist parties were hard to control.

7. Poland • Poland was plagued by divisions over the proper course of the nation. • Socialists, Catholics, Fascists, landowners and peasants fought for domination of the country. • Marshall Jozef Pilsudski took power in an military revolt, which he relinquished once his followers had a majority in parliament. • Poland continued to be dominated by the military. Jozef Pilsudski

8. Greece • The Greek Rep. (est. 1924) lasted little more than a decade. • The growing power of the monarchists brought King George II back to the throne. • When liberals made gains, General Metaxas declared himself dictator in a fascist style regime. General Metaxas

9. Austria • Austria, no longer an imperial nation, was divided between the cities and countryside. • The Christian Socialist Party, which combined welfare, nationalism and antisemitism, moved toward fascism. • They came into conflict with the Socialists. • In the late 1930’s Nazi Germany became a dominant influence.

10. Spain • Economic problems and political discontent led to the rise of General Primo de Rivera in a fascist style dictatorship. • His failure led to his exile by King Alfonso, who was later exiled himself. • Republican government did nothing to solve Spain’s divisions, leading to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Primo de Rivera

11. Spread of Fascism • Whether in power or not, most fascist movements had much in common. • They used symbolism, marches, nationalism, and violence to gain supporters in the promise of national glory. • They addressed people’s fears by rejecting Marxism and capitalism and called for order based on national unity. Oswald Mosely

12. The Great Depression • Despite a strong world economy in the 1920’s deep seeded problems came to the fore. • The United States, the largest creditor, kept much of Europe’s economy afloat (U.S. lent to Germany which paid reparations to Allies who repaid debts to U.S.). • Many European industries continued to suffer and runaway inflation in Germany severely undermined its economy.

13. The Great Depression • The U.S. stock market crash of 1929 began the process of world economic slide. • With the loss of capital, the U.S. loans stopped, crippling the European economy. • Banks around the world failed, industrial production dropped by a third, unemployment rose to the millions across Europe and the U.S.

14. The Great Depression • Governments attempted to help, but most policies were ineffective in reducing unemployment or promoting production. • The failures of the democracies to deal with these problems gave fascism and communism a new voice. • Industrial production in the Soviet Union rose during the period.