The purpose of the chapter is the illustration of the achievements in the field of politics and labour relations by the Catholics engaged in society in Europe in the XIX and XX centuries. Three distinct periods can be identified: the first up to World War I, in which the novelties coming out of the industrial revolution and the birth of liberalism are analyzed and interpreted and the strategies of intervention are put in place, with a flourishing of Catholic associations and Catholic parties. The second is a period of retrenchment across the two world wars, in which Catholics had to face authoritarian regimes. The coming back of democracy in some of the European nations after World War II spurred Catholics to reorganize especially in politics, giving rise to transnational connections that were instrumental in originating the distinctive “third way” of Continental Europe and the process of European integration. The subsequent decline of Christian Democratic parties, but above all the need to refresh the battles against secularism, materialism and individualism are now suggesting a reappraisal of the presence of Catholics in the public domain in Europe.
V. Zamagni (2010). The Political and Economic Impact of CST since 1891: Christian Democracy and Christian Labour Unions in Europe. OXFORD : Oxford University Press.
The Political and Economic Impact of CST since 1891: Christian Democracy and Christian Labour Unions in Europe
NEGRI, VERA
2010
Abstract
The purpose of the chapter is the illustration of the achievements in the field of politics and labour relations by the Catholics engaged in society in Europe in the XIX and XX centuries. Three distinct periods can be identified: the first up to World War I, in which the novelties coming out of the industrial revolution and the birth of liberalism are analyzed and interpreted and the strategies of intervention are put in place, with a flourishing of Catholic associations and Catholic parties. The second is a period of retrenchment across the two world wars, in which Catholics had to face authoritarian regimes. The coming back of democracy in some of the European nations after World War II spurred Catholics to reorganize especially in politics, giving rise to transnational connections that were instrumental in originating the distinctive “third way” of Continental Europe and the process of European integration. The subsequent decline of Christian Democratic parties, but above all the need to refresh the battles against secularism, materialism and individualism are now suggesting a reappraisal of the presence of Catholics in the public domain in Europe.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
