Iron Guard

The Iron Guard is the name most commonly given in English to an ultra-nationalist, anti-Semitic, fascist movement and political party in Romania in the period from 1927 into the early part of World War II.

Founding and rise

In 1927, Corneliu Zelea Codreanu left the number two position (under A.C. Cuza) in the Romanian political party known as the Christian National Defense League (CNLD) and founded the Legion of the Archangel Michael, which contrasted with most other European fascist movements of the period in its overt religiosity (in the form of an ostentatious embrace of the Romanian Orthodox religion) and in having its mass base among the peasantry and students, rather than among military veterans. However, the legionnaires shared the fascist penchant for violence, up to and including political assassinations.

Related Topics:
1927 - A.C. Cuza - Christian National Defense League - Romanian Orthodox - Assassination

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With Codreanu as a charismatic leader, the Legion was known for skillful propaganda, including a very capable use of spectacle. Utilizing marches, religious processions, convenient "miracles," and patriotic and partisan hymns and anthems (along with more mundane tactics like volunteer work and charitable campaigns in rural areas) in support of its anti-Communist, anti-Semitic, anti-liberal, and often anti-parliamentary philosophy, the League presented itself as an alternative to corrupt, clientelist parties including the CNLD.

Related Topics:
Propaganda - Anti-Communist

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On December 10, 1933 Liberal Prime Minister Ion Duca banned the Iron Guard; Iron Guard members retaliated on December 29, 1933 by assassinating Duca on the platform of the Sinaia railway station.

Related Topics:
December 10 - 1933 - Ion Duca - December 29 - Sinaia

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