Malcolm Rivera
Democracy is a political system in which members of an institution, organisation, or state have a share of power. The 20th century saw a significant increase in the number of countries with representative democratic institutions. By the beginning of the 21st century, independent observers estimated that more than one-third of the world's nominally independent countries possessed democratic institutions comparable to those of older democracies. During World War II, several countries maintained constitutional democracies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Chile, which had a long tradition of democracy, can also be included in this list. However, it is worth noting that the definition of democracy and the specific political systems in place during that time may vary, impacting the classification of certain countries as constitutional democracies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries that were parliamentary democracies during WWII | 11 |
| Countries | Britain, US, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Finland, Chile |
| Type of democracy | Parliamentary democracy |
| Exceptions | The UK did not hold any elections between 1935 and 1940, and normal democratic processes were suspended |
| Constitutional monarchies | Ireland, UK, Canada |
| Monarch's powers transferred to elected President | Ireland |
| Constitutional monarchy occupied by another country | Iceland |
| Constitutional monarchy with a monarch as head of state | Spain, Sweden |
| Constitutional monarchy with a semi-constitutional monarchic system | Greece |
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What You'll Learn
The US was the only functioning democracy in 1941
The US was not the only functioning democracy in 1941. However, one source does make a case for this assertion, arguing that the UK did not qualify as a democracy in 1941 because all normal democratic processes were suspended. The source notes that while the UK held by-elections, these were generally uncontested and the composition of the government did not change. The country was essentially under martial law.
Other sources suggest that there were 11 parliamentary democracies in 1941: Britain, the US, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Finland. One source adds Iceland to this list, noting that while it was occupied by the British and Americans, it was a constitutional monarchy. Chile is also mentioned as a democracy in 1941, having already had democracy for 100 years.
The expansion of democracy during the twentieth century is well documented. By the beginning of the twenty-first century, more than one-third of the world's nominally independent countries possessed democratic institutions comparable to those of English-speaking countries and older democracies in continental Europe.
Democracy is a political system in which members of an institution, organization, or state have a share of power. Modern democracies are characterized by their citizens' ability to intervene in society and hold their sovereigns accountable to the international laws of other governments.
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Britain and the US were democracies during WWII
Democracy is a political system in which citizens have a share of power and can hold their sovereign accountable. During World War II, Britain and the US were democracies, with both countries facing significant challenges and playing pivotal roles in the war effort.
Britain
Britain, a longstanding democracy, had a parliamentary system with a monarch as a ceremonial head of state. By the time WWII ended, Britain was facing severe economic challenges. The war had depleted the country's financial resources, and industries such as aircraft manufacturing were in disarray, while others, like railways and coal mines, were in dire need of investment and repair. Britain's debt, known as "sterling credits," amounted to several billion pounds, and the country struggled to pay for imports and even food. Additionally, the US ended its lend-lease program, which had provided Britain with necessities and arms. To address these issues, Britain negotiated loans from the US and Canada, totaling nearly $3.75 billion. The Labour government also enacted nationalization of key industries, such as railroads, coal mines, and the Bank of England, and created a "welfare state." Despite these challenges, Britain played a crucial role in WWII, including through its contributions to the "arsenal of democracy."
The United States
The United States, a constitutional democracy since 1788, played a pivotal role in World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt envisioned the US as the "arsenal of democracy," and the country ramped up its military production, manufacturing bombers, tanks, trucks, rifles, and other supplies. The US also experienced significant social changes during the war, with women and African Americans entering the workforce in large numbers to support the war effort. These social shifts contributed to a movement toward greater social and economic equality. By the end of the war, the US had achieved Roosevelt's vision, becoming a global force with a robust home front. Additionally, the US played a crucial role in post-war Europe, providing financial aid through the Marshall Plan and the Truman Doctrine, further solidifying its commitment to democracy.
Both Britain and the US, as democracies, faced the challenges of governing with citizen input and accountability during a global conflict. Their responses to economic, social, and political issues during and after WWII shaped the course of history and contributed to the expansion and strengthening of democratic ideals worldwide.
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European neutrals: Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden
Ireland
Ireland was a constitutional democracy during World War II, having adopted a new constitution in 1937. The country was a Dominion of the British Empire and a member of the Commonwealth in 1939, but it had gained de facto independence after the Irish War of Independence, and the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 declared Ireland to be a "sovereign, independent, democratic state".
Ireland adopted a policy of neutrality at the outset of World War II, which was maintained throughout the conflict. This policy was supported by the Irish population, although there were both pro- and anti-fascist movements in the country, and some elements of the Irish Republican movement sided with the Third Reich. Ireland's neutrality was tested by German air raids and attacks on its shipping fleet by both Allies and Axis powers.
Sweden
Sweden was also a constitutional democracy during World War II, having expanded the electorate and granted women the right to vote in the 1910s and 1920s. Sweden maintained a policy of neutrality during the war, as it had during World War I. However, Sweden's neutrality has been a subject of debate. The country allowed the Wehrmacht to use its railways and sold iron ore to Germany, but it also shared military intelligence with the Allies and allowed them to use Swedish airbases from 1944-1945. Sweden softened its policy on refugees during the war, admitting thousands of Jews and political dissenters from Norway and Denmark.
Switzerland
Switzerland was a constitutional democracy during World War II. The country maintained armed neutrality during both World Wars, although with its central location and its borders shared with both Central Powers and Entente Powers, this was challenging. Switzerland mobilized its army in 1914 and deployed troops along its borders, particularly along the Jura border with France. The country became a haven for refugees, politicians, artists, pacifists, and thinkers during the war, and served as a protecting power for prisoners of war.
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Commonwealth democracies: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa were all constitutional democracies during World War II.
Canada
Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, founded on the rule of law and respect for rights and freedoms. Canada's Constitution outlines the system of fundamental laws and principles that govern the country, including the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments. Canada is a federal state, with lawmaking responsibilities shared between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
Australia
The defining moment for Australian democracy was Federation in 1901, when six British colonies united to become a nation. This resulted in the creation of the Australian Parliament, with the former colonies becoming Australia's six states. Through Federation, the states transferred some of their law-making powers to the Australian Parliament, marking a shift towards self-governance.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a unitary parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. It has no formal codified constitution but follows a constitutional framework consisting of various documents, acts, and principles. Executive power in New Zealand is based on the principle of the King's reign and the Government's rule, with the King and governor-general remaining politically neutral. New Zealand is known for its strong commitment to human rights, social welfare, and multiculturalism.
South Africa
South Africa's path to full democracy was a challenging one during World War II, with the country facing international pressure and internal struggles against apartheid. In 1984, the Afrikaner government took a step towards inclusion by allowing Indian and Coloured South Africans to participate in the political process, but true democracy was still a work in progress. South Africa held its first all-race elections in 1994, leading to the creation of a new constitution that included a bill of rights. By the end of the 20th century, South Africa had made significant strides toward becoming a full democracy.
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Finland was a democracy, despite being allied with the Nazis
Finland was one of the few countries that maintained democracy throughout World War II, despite its alliance with Nazi Germany. While Finland was not officially an ally of Germany, it did participate in the Second World War alongside the Nazis, fighting against the Soviet Union. Finland's decision to side with Germany was driven by its desire to reclaim territories lost to the USSR during the Winter War of 1939-1940. By joining forces with the Nazis, Finland endangered its national existence and incurred significant losses.
Despite its alliance with Nazi Germany, Finland refused to succumb to Hitler's anti-Semitic policies. The country protected its native Jewish population and refugees, refusing to deliver them to the Nazis. Finnish leaders, including Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen, later acknowledged their shortcomings in assisting the Jewish community during the war and apologized for their actions.
Throughout the war, Finland was led by its elected president and parliament, maintaining its democratic governance. It was one of the few instances where a democratic country was engaged in conflict with other democratic nations, specifically the democracies within the Allied forces. Finland's experience during World War II highlights the complexities of international alliances and the varying degrees of democratic retention during global conflicts.
Finland's ability to retain its democracy during the war can be attributed to its unique position in the Cold War. Heavily influenced by the Soviet Union, Finland was the only country on the Soviet pre-World War II border to maintain democracy and a market economy. The country's independence remained intact, and it successfully avoided occupation by any foreign power.
In conclusion, Finland's experience during World War II demonstrates the country's commitment to democratic principles and its ability to navigate complex geopolitical alliances. Despite its controversial alliance with Nazi Germany, Finland retained its democratic institutions, protected its Jewish population, and ultimately preserved its independence. Finland's story during this tumultuous period offers valuable insights into the resilience of democracy and the impact of historical choices on a nation's trajectory.
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Frequently asked questions
There were 11 remaining constitutional democracies during WWII.
The remaining constitutional democracies during WWII were the US, Britain, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Finland.
Some sources suggest that Chile, India, Iceland, and Greece could be considered constitutional democracies during WWII.
