Illusions of Grandeur

📖 The Scoop

Describes the development of Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists. After failing to win support for his Keynesian economics, Mosley adopted Italian-style fascism. Until 1934 he was considered respectable, but violence at his meetings, attacks on the Jews, and his dictatorial ideas alienated middle class support. Ch. 4 (pp. 89-113), "Antisemitism and the Campaign in East London, " emphasizes the native roots of British antisemitism. The fascist campaign in the East End in 1936-37 was partly a reaction to Jewish hostility, as claimed by the fascists, and partly opportunistic exploitation of a local issue, as claimed by the Left. Mosley's accusations against Jews became more extreme in order to rationalize the BUF's failure and he demanded the "total eradication" of Jewry. Describes debates in the Jewish community and in the left-wing parties over their response. The fascists were finally curbed by local authorities and the central government. The BUF had little long-term impact in England, unlike more extreme racist fascism.

Genre: Biography & Autobiography / Political (fancy, right?)