Jan Baars Dutch ideologist of fascism in the 1930s Date of Birth: 30.06.1903 Country: Netherlands

1. Early Life and Career
2. Involvement with the National Union
3. Departure from the National Union and Political Disengagement
4. Anti-Nazi Activities

Early Life and Career

In the early 1920s, Antonie Eduard Baars founded the magazine De Bezems, which espoused fascist ideology and targeted the working class. The magazine folded in 1930, after which Baars joined the Fascistische Jongeren Bond (Fascist Youth League) under the leadership of De Rochemont.

Conflict with De Rochemont and Establishment of the General Dutch Fascist League

A conflict arose between Baars and De Rochemont in 1932, prompting Baars to establish his own movement, the General Dutch Fascist League (ANFB). Baars appealed to the working class with his populist rhetoric, which resonated with their own frustrations.

Involvement with the National Union

In 1933, the General Dutch Fascist League joined the National Union (NSB) under Heinz Heyn, forming a "corporate concentration." However, Baars, a market trader by profession, ceded leadership to Karel Gerretson, a university professor who headed the new group.

Departure from the National Union and Political Disengagement

Baars left the NSB in 1934, and the organization soon disintegrated. After a brief involvement with Anton Mussert and his National Socialist Movement in the Netherlands (NSB), Baars abandoned politics in 1936 and returned to his market trading profession.

Anti-Nazi Activities

Despite his previous support for fascism, Baars became critical of Adolf Hitler's anti-Semitism. He refused to collaborate with the Germans and even actively assisted the Dutch resistance during World War II.