The White Terror: Antisemitic and Political Violence in Hungary, 1919-1921

by Bela Bodo

The White Terror was a movement of right-wing militias that for two years actively tracked down, tortured, and murdered members of the Jewish community, as well as former supporters of the short-lived Council Republic in the years following World War I. It can be argued that this example of a programme of virulent antisemitism laid the foundations for Hungarian participation in the Holocaust. Given the rightward shift of Hungarian politics today, this book has a particular resonance in re-examining the social and historical context of the White Terror.

Genres: Hungary, History

360 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2019

Reviews

[Chris Wares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good investigation of the White Terror that followed the brief Soviet Republic. It explores the backgrounds of the people who were drawn to the militias, their motives and the violence they inflicted.

The author uses case studies effectively to illustrate the interactions between the militia and the local authorities and others, as well as the brutal behaviour.

The author also uses some theoretical frameworks to differentiate the different forms of violence and motivations which provides an interesting perspective.