Popular Fronts

During the 1930s, popular fronts formed in response to political and economic crises, especially with the rise of fascism and social unrest. Communist groups coined the term in the 1930s as they formed coalitions with working class and middle class groups in order to unite "for defense of democratic forms" against the growing popularity of fascism and other far-right movements in Europe, particularly in Italy and Germany. In 1935, the Communist International (Comintern) In 1935, the Communist International (Comintern) encouraged communist parties worldwide to form alliances with other leftist and democratic forces to combat fascism. The urgency of resisting fascism helped unite once divided communist and socialist groups, and popular front movements proved particularly successful in France, Spain, and Chile. Generally, popular front groups promoted the defense of democracy, the promotion of social welfare programs and economic reforms, and support for labor rights.

Cartoon depiction of a popular front in the Romanian leftist and anti-fascist newspaper Cuvântul Liber, 1935

Cover of an American communist pamphlet from the Popular Front that used patriotic themes under the slogan "Communism is the Americanism of the 20th Century."

SFIO demonstration in response to the 1934 crisis. A sign reads "Down with fascism"

Members of the Popular Front coalition at a rally celebrating Bastille Day, July 14, 1936

France's Popular Front

The Great Depression hit France hard, causing mass unemployment, strikes, and social unrest. The French government struggled to maintain control, and six different governments formed between 1932 and 1933. Right-wing groups similar to Italy's Fascist Party and Germany's Nazi Party grew popular and fomented riots, sparking concern among France's leftist groups, especially after a failed far-right coup in 1934. In response, the French Communist Party, the French Section of the Workers' International (SFIO), the Radical-Socialist Republican Party (PRG), and several other minor parties allied together to form the Popular Front in 1936. Led by Socialist Léon Blum, the Popular Front won the 1936 elections with widespread support from workers, intellectuals, and the middle class. In what has been dubbed the "French New Deal, " the Popular Front introduced reforms like the 40-hour workweek, wage increases, paid vacations, and collective bargaining rights. The government also provided loans to small farmers, free secondary education, public works programs, and banking reform. Despite these measures, the Popular Front struggled with economic challenges as unemployment remained high and production remained stagnant. Conservative opposition, internal divisions, and fears of falling behind German military production weakened the Popular Front until it collapsed in 1938. However, the Popular Front helped lay the foundation for the French welfare state after WWII.

The Popular Front of Madrid to the Popular Front of the World: Homage to the International Brigades.

Spain's Popular Front

Spain struggled to confront the inflationary crisis that accompanied WWI, and in 1923, General Miguel Primo de Rivera led a successful military coup, creating a dictatorship that lasted until 1930. It collapsed under the strain of the Great Depression, replaced by the Second Spanish Republic. The new government implemented reforms that alienated conservatives, especially supporters of the monarchy and the Catholic Church. Right wing and fascist groups gained popularity and won national elections, cracking down on labor movements in 1934. In response, leftist groups formed the coalition Popular Front to oppose rising authoritarianism, running on a campaign of land reform, workers’ rights, and reform. They won the national elections in 1936 with support from the urban working class, rural peasants, and intellectuals. However, this coalition only deepened divisions and increased conservative backlash. Led by General Francisco Franco, the military launched a coup, plunging Spain into the Spanish Civil War from 1936-39. By 1939, Franco's forces wore down the Popular Front, and the general established a dictatorship that favored conservative forces like large landowners, businesses, and the Catholic Church. His dictatorship lasted until 1975.

Pablo Picasso's 1937 painting Guernica, depicting the Nazi bombing of Guernica at the request of Francisco Franco

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