The Arrow Cross Movement in Ung County in 1938–1944

Abstract

Abstract. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to study the activities of the Arrow Cross Party and the Hungarist movement in Ung County in 1938–1944. The research focuses on how far-right ideology influenced local society, the methods the movement sought to gain influence, and the means by which the authorities attempted to restrict its activities.

Scientific novelty. The novelty of the work lies in the use of lesser-known archival sources to highlight the process of establishing local organizations, the difficulties of obtaining permits, and the political instrumentalization of the land question. A detailed analysis is provided of how the Arrow Cross activists sought to address the peasantry and how the state and local authorities responded.

Originality of the research. The originality lies in a microhistorical approach: through examples of specific settlements, the everyday functioning of the movement is revealed. The analysis goes beyond the ideological level and also demonstrates the living conditions of local members, their social background, and their attitude toward the organization. Particular attention is paid to political symbolism, public events, and forms of agitation that shaped the party’s image within local communities.

Conclusions. The results of the study show that the spread of the movement was facilitated by economic difficulties, social discontent, and a political vacuum; however, conscious resistance from both local and central authorities significantly limited it. Although Arrow Cross cells managed to reach rural communities and their agitation had an impact on certain groups, long-term consolidation of the movement was hindered by government actions, internal contradictions, and wartime circumstances. The party’s influence remained spatially and socially differentiated: in some communities it managed to establish a base, while in others indifference or outright resistance prevailed. Overall, it can be concluded that the far-right movement in Ung County had a certain presence and temporary influence, but the conditions did not allow it to become a stable political force.