The Rise of the Iron Guard in Romania
The Formation of the Iron Guard
The Iron Guard, officially known as the Legion of the Archangel Michael, was a far-right, ultranationalist movement founded in Romania in 1927 by Corneliu Zelea Codreanu. The Iron Guard espoused extreme nationalist and anti-Semitic ideologies, aiming to purify Romania's political landscape and restore it to its perceived historical greatness.
Iron Guard's Ideological Foundations
Grounded in a mix of Romanian Orthodox Christianity and mysticism, the Iron Guard attracted followers among the youth and those dissatisfied with the current political situation. Its ideology was heavily influenced by fascism, promoting the idea of a strong national identity and rejecting Marxism and liberalism.
The 1933 Prohibition on the Iron Guard
Government Actions Against the Iron Guard
In 1933, in response to increasing violence and anti-Semitic activities endorsed by the Iron Guard, the Romanian government, led by Prime Minister Ion G. Duca, decided to take decisive action. The government imposed a ban on the Iron Guard, seeing it as a threat to public order and national stability.
The Impact of the Ban
The ban restricted the Iron Guard's activities and led to arrests of its leaders and members. This action was significant as it marked the beginning of a crackdown on fascist movements in Romania, although the Iron Guard would not be defeated easily and continued to exist underground, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
Fun Fact
Codreanu's Fate
Despite the prohibition, Corneliu Zelea Codreanu continued to rally support for the Iron Guard until his arrest and subsequent assassination in 1938, which further fueled the movement's legacy in Romanian history.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on the Iron Guard
If you're interested in learning more about the Iron Guard and its history, consider reading "Codreanu: The Man Who Would Be King" by J. M. T. Riaz or "Romania Under the Iron Guard" by T. B. Evans.
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