Synopses & Reviews
After 1945, state patriotism of the communist regimes in Eastern Europe was characterized by the widespread use of national symbols. In communist Hungary the party (MKP) widely celebrated national holidays, national heroes, erected national statues, and employed national street names. This 'socialist patriotism' had its origin in the 'national line' of the Comintern, established on Soviet instructions following the German invasion of the Soviet Union. At that time Stalin called the parties of the Comintern to oppose the Germans by issuing the call for national liberation. This policy continued after 1945 when, as an aid in the struggle for power, the MKP presented itself as both the 'heir to the traditions of the nations' and the 'only true representative of the interest of the Hungarian people'. Paradoxically however, the Soviet origins of the national line were also one of the main obstacles to its success as the MKP could not put forward national demands if these conflicted with Soviet interests. Martin Mevius' pioneering study reveals that what had started as a tactical measure in 1941 had become the self-image of party and state in 1953 and that the ultimate loyalty to the Soviet Union worked to the detriment of the national party - the MKP never rid itself of the label 'agents of Moscow'.
Review
"Mevius's discussion of communist nationalism deepens our understanding of Soviet aims and communist tactics after 1945."--American Historical Review
"It is difficult to overstate the contribution made by Martin Mevius to the understanding of the frequently complex and evidently contradictory relationship between Soviet objectives and those of the communist party, which they upheld in areas under their control in the post war period. This is an original, bold and ultimately fascinating book." Anita Prazmowska, Cold War History, Vol 6/1
"An extremely well-researched monograph, it will surely enhance both graduate and undergraduate courses on Soviet and East European history and politics."--H-Net
"'Mevius has written an excellent account which highlights Stalin's pragmatic order to East-European communists to present themselves as patriots and the contorted, unsuccessful efforts which were the result. It is a pioneering book." -Robert Service, St Antony's College, Oxford
"An important contribution to the understanding of the late Stalin period in the history of Communism."--Eric Hobsbawm
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Heroes' Gate
1. Communism and Nationalism (1848 - 1941)
2. Agents of Moscow (1941 - 1944)
3. The Policy of National Unity and The Soviet Factor (Autumn 1944 - Spring 1945)
4. The Legacy of 1919 and Left-Wing Radicalism (Autumn 1944 - Spring 1945)
5. The Heirs of Kossuth, Petofi, and Táncsics (December 1944 - January 1945)
6. The Only True Party of Hungarian National Interests (March - November 1945)
7. Conflicting National Policies (1945 - 1947)
8. Salami Tactics and National Unity (1945 - 1947)
9. The Cult of the Martyrs (1945 - 1947)
10. The Cominform and the Nationalist Errors of the MKP (1947 - 1949)
11. Socialist Patriotism (1949 - 1953)
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index