What is White Terror? A Historical and Political Overview
The term White Terror refers to violent suppression, persecution, or political purges carried out by conservative, monarchist, or right-wing forces against perceived enemies, often revolutionaries, leftists, or reformists. The phrase contrasts with Red Terror, which is used to describe similar acts of repression by communist or revolutionary factions. White Terror has occurred throughout history in various countries, usually following revolutions, civil wars, or major political upheavals.
1. Definition of White Terror
- Political repression through violence, executions, or imprisonment
- Conducted by right-wing, conservative, royalist, or military forces
- Targets include leftists, revolutionaries, socialists, and reformists
- Often follows a failed revolution or counter-revolutionary movement
The "white" in White Terror is associated with monarchism and conservatism, while the "red" in Red Terror symbolizes communism and revolution.
2. Major Historical Examples of White Terror
(1) France (1794) – The First White Terror
- Occurred after the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, in which thousands were executed under the radical Jacobins.
- Following the fall of Maximilien Robespierre, royalist and conservative factions retaliated by persecuting former revolutionaries.
- Many Jacobins and left-wing revolutionaries were imprisoned, exiled, or killed.
(2) Russia (1917-1923) – White Terror in the Russian Civil War
- After the Bolshevik Revolution (1917), anti-communist forces, known as the White Army, launched a brutal campaign against Red Army (Bolshevik) supporters.
- Executions, mass killings, and repression of communists were common, often led by Tsarist loyalists and anti-communist factions.
- The conflict resulted in millions of deaths, with atrocities committed by both sides (White Terror vs. Red Terror).
(3) Spain (1936-1945) – White Terror Under Franco
- During and after the Spanish Civil War, Francisco Franco’s fascist regime led a campaign to eliminate leftists, socialists, and republicans.
- Estimated 150,000+ people were executed or disappeared as Franco consolidated power.
- White Terror in Spain continued for decades, with political repression lasting into the 1970s.
(4) Taiwan (1947-1987) – White Terror Under the KMT
- After the Kuomintang (KMT) government fled to Taiwan following defeat by the communists in China, they imposed martial law to suppress potential dissent.
- Tens of thousands of suspected communists, activists, and intellectuals were arrested, tortured, or executed.
- This White Terror lasted over 40 years, making it one of the longest political suppression periods in history.
(5) Chile (1973-1990) – White Terror Under Pinochet
- After the U.S.-backed coup that overthrew socialist President Salvador Allende, General Augusto Pinochet launched a brutal repression campaign.
- More than 3,000 people were killed, and thousands were tortured and imprisoned for suspected leftist sympathies.
- Many victims of this White Terror remain missing to this day.
3. Common Features of White Terror
While each White Terror event had unique causes, they share several common characteristics:
FeatureDescription
| Anti-Leftist Suppression | Targets revolutionaries, communists, socialists, and activists. |
| Mass Executions & Torture | Political opponents are often executed without trial, imprisoned, or tortured. |
| Government-Backed Repression | Usually carried out by military regimes, monarchists, or conservative factions. |
| Follows Political Upheaval | Often occurs after failed revolutions, civil wars, or regime changes. |
| Use of Fear & Propaganda | Governments justify the repression as necessary to maintain order. |
4. White Terror vs. Red Terror: Key Differences
AspectWhite TerrorRed Terror
| Who Conducts It? | Conservative, royalist, right-wing, or military forces. | Revolutionary, communist, or left-wing factions. |
| Who Are the Targets? | Leftists, socialists, communists, intellectuals. | Monarchists, aristocrats, capitalists, and conservatives. |
| Examples | Spain (Franco), Taiwan (KMT), Chile (Pinochet). | Soviet Union (Lenin/Stalin), China (Mao), French Revolution (Jacobins). |
While both forms of terror involve mass violence, White Terror is reactionary, aiming to preserve existing power structures, whereas Red Terror seeks to overthrow them.
5. Why Does White Terror Happen?
(1) Fear of Revolution
- Governments and elites fear losing power, leading them to eliminate political threats before they grow stronger.
(2) Political Retaliation
- After a revolution or regime change, the new rulers often seek revenge on the previous administration and its supporters.
(3) Suppression of Dissent
- To maintain control, authoritarian governments use White Terror to silence opposition, suppress protests, and prevent uprisings.
(4) Foreign Influence
- In some cases, White Terror is backed by foreign powers (e.g., U.S. support for Pinochet in Chile) to suppress communism or leftist movements.
6. Conclusion: The Legacy of White Terror
White Terror has left lasting scars on many nations, affecting their political culture, human rights history, and collective memory. In many countries, truth commissions, memorials, and legal proceedings have been established to address these historical crimes. However, in others, the legacy of White Terror remains controversial, with some still justifying the repression as necessary for “stability” or “national security.”
Understanding White Terror helps us recognize the dangers of political violence, the importance of democratic accountability, and the need to protect human rights against authoritarian oppression.