Catholic Politics in Europe, 1918-1945 / Edition 1

by Martin Conway

Overview

The history of Catholic political movements has long been a missing dimension of the history of Europe during the twentieth century. Martin Conway explores the fascinating history of Catholic political movements in Europe between 1918 and 1945, demonstrating the crucial role which Catholics played in the rise of fascism in Italy and Germany, the events of the Spanish Civil War and of the Second World War.
Drawing on the findings of recent research, Conway shows how Catholic political movements formed a vital element of the political life of Europe during the inter-war years. In countries as diverse as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Austria, as well as further east in Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, and Lithuania, Catholic political parties flourished. Inspired by the values of Catholicism, these movements fought for their own political ideals; hostile to both liberal democracy and totalitarian fascism, Catholics were a 'third force' in European politics. During the Second World War, Catholic political movements continued to pursue their own goals; some chose to fight alongside the German armies, other groups joined Resistance movements to fight against German oppression and for a new social and political order based on Catholic principles.
Catholic Politics in Europe will provide an original key point of reference for twentieth century history, for comparison with fascist and communist movements of the period, and will give insight into the present-day character of Catholicism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415064019
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/22/1997
Series:	Historical Connections
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction 1 The Catholic heritage 2 The 1920s: expansion and democratisation 3 The 1930s: radicalisation and authoritarianism 4 Catholicism during the Second World War: a changed continuity; Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

'This volume is a welcome and stimulating guide to the complexities of Catholic politics.' - The Month

'This modestly sized and unpretentious book meets a major need among students for a general survey of Catholicism as a political force in early twentieth-century Europe.' - History Review

From the Publisher