Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

One of a number of fascist groupings (see fascism ) that proliferated in eastern Europe in the interwar period. Founded by Ferenc Szálasi in hungary in 1935 as the Party of National Will, it was reconstituted as the Arrow Cross four years later. Its beliefs comprised a heady mix of Hungarian nationalism , antisemitism , and purportedly Christian principles. Though condemned by the Vatican in 1938, the Arrow Cross attracted almost half a million members. It briefly held power from October 1944 until the following spring, during which time it contributed to hitler's so-called final solution by assisting with extensive Jewish deportations to Poland. Szálasi and other leaders of the movement were subsequently tried as war criminals by Hungarian courts. (See also horthy de nagybánya ) ... log in or subscribe to read full text