Abstract

The Rebirth of Europe

In the period between the two World Wars, Europe witnessed a struggle between monarchy and democracy. As intellectual Guglielmo Ferrero has said, the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and of the German and Czarist empires in 1918 left three-quarters of Europe with governments incapable of ruling their countries or of keeping the peace. Against their shadowy legitimacy a democratic legitimacy pitted its strength. Fascism tried to thwart both sides by its use of totalitarian force. It did not succeed. The revolutionary process has continued, and the oppressed people, working underground and in exile, have forged a new democratic plan for the regeneration of Europe. The birth of a new Europe depends to a great extent upon the agreement of the three great powers. Should one of them oppose the revolutionary aims of a people while another encourages them, a peaceful settlement will be tragically postponed. The peoples of Europe are tired of compromises and counter-revolutions. They are determined to express their will, once and for all.