Fascism, anti-fascism, and Britain in the 1940s

Despite the Second World War and the Holocaust, postwar Britain was not immune to fascism. By 1948, a large and confident fascist movement had been established, with a strong network of local organisers and public speakers, and an audience of thousands. However, within two years the fascists had collapsed under the pressure of a successful anti-fascist campaign. This book explains how it was that fascism could grow so fast, and how it then went into decline. The 1930s were the devil's decade, as unemployment rose, and communism and fascism fought each other on the streets. But the struggles did not end in 1939. Even in the years of the reforming 1945 - 51 Labour government, there was a revival of fascism. By autumn 1947, a confident fascist movement had been established, with a strong network of local organisers and public speakers. The fascist movement was capable of sustaining large public meetings at sites across London. However, within a year, the fascists had collapsed, and were no more than a collection of sects. This book - the most comprehensive analysis of fascism and anti-fascism to date - explains how it was that fascism could grow so fast, and how it then went into decline. The book includes a history of the fascist/anti-fascist conflict before 1945, new material on Oswald Mosely's Union Movement, and a critical evaluation of the role of the police Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction....Pages 1-10 What Actually Happened: Fascism and Anti-Fascism, 1918–51....Pages 11-41 The Heil Hitler Brigade: Fascism, 1945–51....Pages 42-70 Not Just Commandos: Anti-Fascism, 1945–51....Pages 71-100 An Unbiased Watch? Fascism, Anti-Fascism and the State....Pages 101-129 Conclusion....Pages 130-144 Back Matter....Pages 145-203