Political Extremism in the 1930’S ‘The Devil’s Decade’

Mass unemployment, life on the dole and world depression saw to it that Britain as well as Europe faced political extremism both from the communist left and the fascist right.

The Communist Party of Great Britain. Founded in1920 CPGB Members attracted to philosophy of a provision for middle and working classes to share in a more equal and progressive society. Also appealed to many idealistic young people. Numbers increased with the break up of Labour in 1931 and the growth of fascism. How great a threat was the CPGB ? Conservatives over exaggerated Did play a part in major strikes e.g.Lancashire Cotton Industry and in the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement. Did disrupt Fascist meetings and marches. Had a circulation of 80,000 with the Daily Worker. Did get a few MP’s selected There were the Apostles Never a significant threat and membership peaked at Moderates like Ernest Bevin were influential in the trade union movement. Secret Service kept a close eye on the CPGB Incitement to Disaffection Act could be used to prosecute communists.

The British Union of Fascists -BUF Formed in 1932 by Sir Oswald Mosley Black uniforms and Fascist salute. Gained support from Lord Rothermere owner of the Daily Mail and by 1934 membership was 50,000 people. Strong support in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds. Mosley advocated radical measures to bring down unemployment which appealed to young working class men. Favourable circumstances Between collapse of Labour government, failure of NG’s in contrast to dynamism of Italy and Germany. Anti-Semitism was more politically respectable at the time. Mosley (although the only one ) was very talented and a great orator. Some people were in favour of better relations with Germany in order to avoid WAR.

What happened to the BUF? Never really challenged the political stability in Britain. It only ever had a peak 1934 membership of 50,000 and by 1935 declined to Electorally no MP’s were elected Lost support following the violence of a BUF indoor rally at London’s Olympia. Lost support of Lord Rothermere The Battle of Cable Street In the later 1930’s lost support through becoming more closely associated with the ideals and radical policies of Nazi Germany.

How did the National Government limit political extremism? 1934 Incitement to Disaffection Act 1936 Public Order Act NG gained huge parliamentary majorities in 1931 and 1935 ensuring stability. NG avoided coming into conflict with communist or fascist countries with Appeasement.

Other factors limiting Political Extremism The Labour Party and the Trade Unions were moderate. Rejected all attempts to bring about a ‘Popular Front’ against Fascism. Economic recovery –new industries. Unlike Germany the middle classes were not suffering. International events also discredited political extremes-Nazi Soviet Pact and Stalin’s brutal collectivisation of agriculture. (Communists) Mussolini’s invasion of Abyssinia (Fascists) Kristallnacht Both the CPGB and BUF had no outstanding leader. Strength of Britain’s political institutions.

What was Britain like by the end of the 1930’s Although there still existed social economic problems a sense of stability prevailed BUTahead lay the problems of Appeasement, what to do with the Empire and above all the Second World War which would create massive political, social and economic change.