Corneliu Zelea Codreanu

Corneliu Zelea Codreanu was a Romanian politician of the far right, the founder and charismatic leader of the Iron Guard or The Legion of the Archangel Michael, an ultranationalist and violently antisemitic organization active throughout most of the interwar period. He was often seen as the main variety of local fascism, noted for its mystical and Romanian Orthodox-inspired revolutionary message. Codreanu's political career began in the wake of World War I as an anticommunist and antisemitic agitator associated with A.C. Cuza and Constantin Pancu. He was a co-founder of the National-Christian Defense League and was known for his strong leadership style, referred to as 'The Captain' by his followers.