The 1935 Netherlands Election: The Rise of Mussert's NSB

Name: The 1935 Netherlands Election: The Rise of Mussert's NSB
Start: 1894-04-18
Location: Unspecified

The 1935 Netherlands Election Overview

The 1935 election in the Netherlands marked a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape. It was during this election that **Anton Mussert** and his National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands (NSB) gained public attention by winning 8% of the vote—a notable achievement for a party overshadowed by mainstream politics. This election reflected not only the discontent prevalent among certain factions of the populace but also the rising influence of far-right ideologies in Europe during that time.

The Role of Anton Mussert

Anton Mussert, born in 1894, was a significant figure in the Dutch far-right. He founded the **National Socialist Movement (NSB)** in 1931, which aimed to promote fascist ideals and sought inspiration from Adolf Hitler’s regime in Germany. Mussert's oratory skills and charisma attracted individuals who were dissatisfied with the traditional political parties, especially following the economic difficulties of the 1930s.

The ideology propagated by Mussert's NSB was deeply rooted in **nationalism** and was heavily influenced by fascist principles. During the 1935 elections, the NSB capitalized on political unrest, appealing to voters who were yearning for strong leadership and radical solutions to economic woes. This resonated particularly with those who felt alienated by the establishment and the prevailing political order.

The Electoral Results and Implications

The 1935 election results showcased a wavering political landscape in the Netherlands. Although the NSB only garnered **8% of the vote**, their emergence as a political force raised alarms among the established parties. The success of radical parties such as the NSB began to prompt discussions about democracy’s fragility and the potential for authoritarianism taking root in the Netherlands.

In response to the NSB’s success, established political parties began to reevaluate their platforms and strategies. The traditional parties, including the Labour Party and the conservative groups, sensed the growing unrest and worked harder to address the concerns of their constituents, seeking to undermine the appeal of far-right factions like the NSB.

The ramifications of the 1935 election were felt throughout the late 1930s, with the NSB continuing to gain traction until the onset of World War II. Mussert would later support the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, highlighting how the events of this election set the stage for the contentious years that followed.

Fun Fact

Anton Mussert’s Unique Background

Interestingly, Anton Mussert initially studied engineering before venturing into the political arena. His academic background fueled his understanding of organizational structures, which he employed to build a strong party framework for the NSB.