* The rise of fascist and authoritarian movements: The 1920s and 1930s saw the rise of fascist and authoritarian movements in Europe, most notably in Italy, Germany, and Spain. These movements were often fueled by nationalism, a desire for strong leadership, and fear of communism.
* Weakness of democratic institutions: Many European democracies were still young and fragile in the 1920s and 1930s. They had not yet developed the institutions and political practices needed to withstand the rise of authoritarianism.
Social factors:
* Economic crisis: The Great Depression of the 1930s caused widespread economic hardship in Europe. This in turn led to political instability and a loss of faith in democracy.
* Social division: The 1920s and 1930s were also a time of social division in Europe. There were tensions between urban and rural areas, between workers and employers, and between different ethnic and religious groups. These divisions made it difficult to maintain social cohesion and to build a viable democracy.
These political and social factors combined to create the conditions for the fall of several European democracies in the 1920s and 1930s. The rise of fascism and authoritarianism, the weakness of democratic institutions, and the economic crisis all contributed to the collapse of democracy in Europe.