Chapter 7 Disintegration

Abstract

In 1943 the central grip on local governments completely crumbled in each of the national cases and despite their significant systemic differences. Under the aegis of official authority and power, a revived and renewed local civil society reached out towards clandestine settlements with mayors—even collaborationist ones—to prepare the post-war order. Mayors put individual mediation to support local interests back at the centre of their attention. Paradoxically, this also coincided with escalating violent repression and regional pockets of civil war. Many collaborationist mayors tried to create local consensus as a personal post-war insurance, but at the same time were often unable to control the mechanics of escalation they themselves had in part created.