Post-WWI Europe: Political Shifts, Economic Crisis, and Fascism

Immediate Effects of WWI in Europe

The aftermath of World War I led to the dissolution of authoritarian empires and the emergence of new republics with parliamentary systems. Democracy was consolidated in some nations, with the introduction of male suffrage and benefits like 8-hour workdays and unemployment support. However, the 1920s saw Europe grapple with economic hardship due to inflation, declining yields, and rising unemployment, exacerbated by the 1929 crisis.

Social unrest, including strikes and protests, further destabilized the continent. These demonstrations were often met with harsh repression, limiting trade union rights and fueling political turmoil.

Oldest Democracies and Post-War Crisis

Faced with economic chaos and social unrest, Europe's oldest democracies sought to integrate emerging social systems. This strategy aimed to isolate radical parties and strengthen parliamentary democracy. Great Britain, for instance, experienced significant labor unrest due to high unemployment and the conflict in Ireland. However, the rise of the Labour Party provided a parliamentary channel for addressing popular demands and mitigating the crisis.

In France, the economic crisis of the 1930s led to the formation of the Popular Front government in response to right-wing opposition and worker unrest. Despite these efforts, democracies largely remained inward-focused, unable to prevent the rise of dictatorships in other parts of Europe.

Rise of Dictatorships in the 1920s

Where Dictatorships Emerged

Dictatorships emerged in countries like Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Latvia, Estonia, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Spain. These nations had limited experience with liberal-parliamentary systems, and their liberal or conservative parties struggled to manage the economic crisis and social unrest.

Why Dictatorships Emerged

Authoritarian regimes were established to counter the spread of socialist and communist ideas. Notably, fascist Italy under Mussolini and Nazi Germany under Hitler rose to prominence during this period.

Characteristics of Fascism

Fascism, first manifested in interwar Italy and Germany, represents an authoritarian backlash against equality. Its core principles include:

• Ultranationalism: Emphasizes racial purity and national unity, often justified through militarism and imperialism.
• State Supremacy: Subordinates individual rights and freedoms to the interests of the state.
• Rejection of Liberalism and Democracy: Denies equality, popular sovereignty, and suffrage. Opposes the separation of powers and advocates for an elitist society.
• Cult of the Leader: Centers power around a charismatic leader who embodies the state and heads a single party. Propaganda and grand displays enhance the leader's mystique.
• Irrationalism and Violence: Rejects rationalism and materialism, embracing irrationality and glorifying strength. Legitimizes violence and war as tools for progress and selection.