Was the Union of Fascists Really a Threat to British Security?

Prelude to Fascism in Britain

The years leading up to World War II saw a surge of interest in fascism, not just in Europe, but also in Great Britain. Among the many factions that emerged during this time was the Union of British Fascists (BUF), led by Oswald Mosley. Although the BUF was never as influential as its counterpart in other European countries, it still managed to capture public attention and concern, particularly regarding its alleged threat to British security.

The Foundation of the Union of British Fascists

Oswald Mosley, born on November 16, 1896, came from an Anglo-Irish aristocratic family. However, his early life was marked by tragedy, including the divorce of his parents when he was young. His grandfather, Oxford-educated Sir Oswald Mosley, played a significant role in shaping Oswald's young mind, instilling in him values like patriotism and loyalty to the monarchy.

In 1914, at the start of the First World War, Mosley volunteered for the Royal Flying Corps and fought in France. After the war, disillusioned by the politics of the Conservative Party, he turned to socialism and joined the Labor Party in 1924. Inspired by Italian fascism, Mosley founded the New Party in 1931, which later evolved into the BUF. By 1932, the Union of British Fascists had emerged as the first mass fascist movement in the United Kingdom, with a clear ideological framework that defended national values and promoted a form of conservative socialism.

Structure and Ideology of the Union of British Fascists

The BUF adopted a hierarchical and rigid structure, with Mosley at the top. Its ideology was centered on patriotism, the monarchy, and a concept of British imperialism. The BUF promised to eliminate bourgeois capitalism, Freemasonry, and Marxism. The group also proposed a strong state control, protectionism, and autarky, which would divide the economy into twenty-four corporations.

The movement adopted regular parades and rallies, reminiscent of the Italian fascists, with Roman salutes, black shirts, and militaristic displays. These efforts aimed to rally support and strengthen the movement's public presence.

Political Impact and Challenges

By 1935, the BUF's growth hit a roadblock. The group faced significant opposition in the form of violent demonstrations by Irish Marxists, which resulted in a decline in popular support. Furthermore, even a personal connection with King Edward VIII, who ascended in 1936, did not improve the BUF's image. The new king's controversial marriage to Wallis Simpson, a prominent National Socialist, further damaged the BUF's public standing.

The government also took action, implementing laws that banned political uniforms and party squadrons. This, combined with the adoption of anti-Semitic policies in 1937, significantly reduced the BUF's membership. Despite these setbacks, Mosley managed to present a more moderate stance in 1938, advocating for peace and opposing potential war with Germany, which briefly improved his image.

The Second World War and Aftermath

The outbreak of World War II led to the BUF's final decline. On September 3, 1940, the government outlawed the group, arresting many of its leaders. Mosley himself was imprisoned in Holloway Prison from 1940 to 1943, where his health deteriorated due to poor conditions.

After World War II, the BUF's influence waned, and Mosley quietly retired from public life. However, he remained active in political circles, joining the Union Movement in 1948, which adopted a non-fascist agenda focusing on anti-immigration. Despite these efforts, Mosley's legacy remained conflicted, and his involvement in fascist movements often overshadowed his later contributions.

Conclusion

Despite the BUF's growth and public presence, the group never posed a significant threat to British security. Its ideological extremism and political infighting largely prevented it from achieving the level of influence it desired. The BUF's collapse after the Second World War underscores the political and social changes that occurred in Britain during the interwar period. Oswald Mosley, though a prominent figure in the vein of European fascism, saw his efforts eventually fail to materialize into a major political force in the United Kingdom.