Corneliu Zelea Codreanu

Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, commonly known as Corneliu Codreanu, was a Romanian politician who was the founder and charismatic leader of the Iron Guard. Ideologically a fascist, he developed a variant of fascism known as Legionarism, an ultranationalist, antisemitic, anti-Hungarian, antiziganist, anti-communist and anti-capitalist organization active throughout most of the interwar period. Generally seen as the main variety of Romanian fascism, and noted for its Orthodox Christian-inspired revolutionary message, the Iron Guard grew into an important actor on the Romanian political stage, coming into conflict with the political establishment and democratic forces. The Legionnaires traditionally referred to Codreanu as Căpitanul, and he held absolute authority over the organization until his death.