Chapter 1 Local Democracies

Abstract

Before the Second World War, the role and function of mayors in each of the three national systems differed greatly. So did the outcome of inter-war local elections and the impact of the political and economic crisis on the reform of local government. These national differences would have a big impact on occupation developments. The chapter also looks at the national guidelines mayors and other public authorities received before the war to guide them through the pitfalls of administration under a hostile occupation in the future.