Dan Snow's History Hit: Episode Summary - "Oswald Mosley & Fascism in Britain"

Release Date: November 27, 2024
Host: History Hit (Dan Snow)
Guest: Stephen Dorrell, Senior Lecturer in Print Journalism at Huddersfield University and Author of "Black Shirts, Oswald Mosley and British Fascism"

Introduction to Oswald Mosley and British Fascism

In this episode, Dan Snow delves into the intricate tapestry of British fascism through the life and influence of Oswald Mosley, its most charismatic and controversial leader. Historian Stephen Dorrell joins the conversation to unpack Mosley's rise, ideology, and lasting impact on British politics.

Early Life and Influences (03:51 - 06:17)

Stephen Dorrell provides a comprehensive overview of Mosley's upbringing within the landed gentry, emphasizing the contrast between his aristocratic environment and his father's less reputable behavior. Mosley's close relationship with his mother fostered a narcissistic and charming personality, laying the groundwork for his future political ambitions.

Stephen Dorrell (03:59): "He was part of a landed gentry... his mother was the most important part in Mosley's life. She treated him almost well, in Freudian terms, really godlike."

Military Service and Its Impact (06:17 - 11:22)

Mosley's experiences during the First World War were pivotal in shaping his worldview. Initially seeking action, his time in the Royal Flying Corps and subsequent injury left him with a permanent limp and a deep-seated aversion to war. These experiences contributed to his desire for state intervention and economic planning.

Stephen Dorrell (06:38): "He saw people killed... it had a big effect on him, and it left him with the idea that you should stop war in all instances."

Political Career and Radicalization (11:22 - 19:49)

Transitioning from the Conservative Party to the Labour Party, Mosley became increasingly disillusioned with mainstream politics. His tenure in the Labour Party exposed him to the limitations of existing political structures, prompting him to seek more radical solutions. This period marked his shift towards fascist ideologies, influenced by figures like Joseph Chamberlain and the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes.

Stephen Dorrell (13:16): "He's interested in ideas and he pursues those. And he takes up Keynes and he is the first real national politician to take up the ideas of intervention in the economy."

Formation of the British Union of Fascists (19:49 - 29:37)

Facing electoral defeats and internal party constraints, Mosley founded the British Union of Fascists (BUF) in 1932. The BUF aimed to emulate European fascist movements by utilizing modern media, paramilitary organizations, and mass rallies. Initially supported by Italian fascists, the BUF later sought alignment with Nazi Germany, incorporating antisemitic policies to secure German funding.

Stephen Dorrell (21:13): "They are ultra loyal and they are willing to commit acts of violence. And I think they, some of them think this is going to be necessary to break through the logjam."

British Fascism and European Connections (29:37 - 39:41)

The BUF's alignment with European fascism deepened as Mosley sought financial and ideological support from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This relationship intensified after Mosley's marriage to Diana Mitford, who famously attended the Battle of Cable Street alongside Hitler. The BUF adopted more militaristic and antisemitic stances, mirroring their continental counterparts.

Stephen Dorrell (33:02): "He is the one and everything centers around him... there is talk of, you know, kind of the white light, that there is a kind of paradise at the end of this cult."

The Battle of Cable Street (39:29 - 43:51)

One of the most significant events in British fascist history, the Battle of Cable Street, symbolized the peak and eventual decline of the BUF. Despite mounting tensions and violent confrontations, Mosley's leadership faltered when confronted by overwhelming resistance, leading to a setback for British fascism.

Stephen Dorrell (44:02): "They thought they were responsible fascists, as it were. And so they'd started then to campaign more in the East End."

World War II and Internment (43:51 - 57:44)

With the outbreak of World War II, the British government perceived the BUF as a threat to national security. Mosley and his wife were interned under the Defence Regulation 18B, effectively silencing the movement. During his imprisonment, Mosley continued to plot future endeavors, although his influence waned as the war progressed.

Stephen Dorrell (51:42): "Mosley didn't drink, so it was always wider than mark. And he took the opportunity to read, think."

Post-War Activities and Legacy (57:19 - 62:10)

After the war, Mosley attempted to revive his political influence through various movements and alliances, but with limited success. His efforts to re-enter politics were met with widespread disdain, and subsequent fascist groups distanced themselves from his outdated ideologies. Mosley's legacy remains a cautionary tale of charismatic leadership intertwined with extremist politics.

Stephen Dorrell (57:27): "He saw that as an election opportunity. I think deep down he just didn't believe in those kind of things."

Conclusion and Reflections

Stephen Dorrell concludes by reflecting on the factors that prevented British fascism from gaining the foothold seen in continental Europe. He attributes this to the robustness of British democratic institutions, the Empire's complex political landscape, and the inability of fascist movements like the BUF to fully resonate with the British populace.

Stephen Dorrell (61:52): "The British fascists that came up... tried to get away from Mosley. They regarded him as being the old man and old ideas."

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Dorrell (03:59): "He was part of a landed gentry... his mother was the most important part in Mosley's life."

• Stephen Dorrell (06:38): "He saw people killed... it had a big effect on him, and it left him with the idea that you should stop war in all instances."

• Stephen Dorrell (13:16): "He's the first real national politician to take up the ideas of intervention in the economy."

• Stephen Dorrell (21:13): "They are ultra loyal and they are willing to commit acts of violence."

• Stephen Dorrell (44:02): "They thought they were responsible fascists, as it were."

• Stephen Dorrell (57:27): "He saw that as an election opportunity. Deep down he just didn't believe in those kind of things."

• Stephen Dorrell (61:52): "They tried to get away from Mosley. They regarded him as being the old man and old ideas."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a nuanced exploration of Oswald Mosley’s role in British fascism, highlighting the complexities of his character and the socio-political factors that allowed such movements to emerge. Stephen Dorrell's insights provide valuable context, illustrating how Mosley's personal ambitions and historical circumstances intertwined to shape a dark chapter in Britain's history.