History of Europe

What was democracy during World War 2?

Democracy during World War II varied between countries and regions, but some common characteristics included:

- Limited Suffrage: While many democratic countries had expanded suffrage by the time of World War II, restrictions still existed, especially for women and minorities.

- Challenges to Civil Liberties: During wartime, governments often imposed restrictions on civil liberties, such as freedom of speech and assembly, in the interest of national security.

- Increased Executive Power: The demands of wartime often led to an increase in executive power, as governments needed to make quick decisions and mobilize resources efficiently.

- Coalitions and Consensus-Building: In some countries, democratic governments formed coalitions or sought consensus among different political parties to ensure unity during wartime.

- Influence of Public Opinion: Public opinion played a crucial role in shaping wartime policies, as governments needed to maintain public support for their efforts.

It's worth noting that some countries also experienced setbacks in democracy during World War II, such as the rise of authoritarian regimes or military dictatorships.