Prompt Cast
The Rise and Threat of Fascism in Britain
TLDR The roots of fascism in Britain can be traced back to the late Victorian and Edwardian period, with elements such as generational revolt, contempt for parliamentary democracy, and a reaction to the First World War. The fear of enemies within and without, conspiracy theories, and anxieties in post-World War I Britain fueled the rise of fascism, with figures like Mussolini gaining admiration and support from the British right.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The Birth of British Fascism explores the rise and threat of fascism in Britain, challenging the belief that it could never have worked in the country due to its love of liberty, parliamentary democracy, and sense of humor.
04:59
The roots of fascism in Britain can be traced back to the late Victorian and Edwardian period, with elements such as generational revolt, contempt for parliamentary democracy, and a reaction to the First World War, as well as a strong emphasis on women and a perceived progressive and anti-capitalist appeal, along with environmentalism and a connection to the natural world.
09:14
The roots of fascism in Britain can be traced back to the late Victorian and Edwardian period, with elements such as generational revolt, contempt for parliamentary democracy, and a reaction to the First World War, as well as a strong emphasis on women and a perceived progressive and anti-capitalist appeal, along with environmentalism and a connection to the natural world.
13:39
The role of sport and the cult of manliness, along with the idea of enemies and political opponents being illegitimate, subversive, and part of an enemy within, are all ingredients that could have led to a very different outcome in Britain if circumstances were different.
18:12
The fear of enemies within and without, including Germans, Jews, Bolsheviks, and fellow travelers, was fueled by conspiracy theories and anxieties in post-World War I Britain, leading to divisions and unhappiness in the 1920s.
22:43
The idea of a conspiracy involving American financiers, communists, liberal politicians, trade union militants, and Jews is a motivating factor in the thrillers of authors like John Buchan and Agatha Christie, while fears of women voters, flappers, and lesbians also contribute to the divisions and anxieties in post-World War I Britain in the 1920s.
27:29
The British right in the 1920s had concerns about political violence due to the ongoing war in Ireland and the presence of paramilitary organizations, and many saw Mussolini as a strong leader who could combat communism.
31:44
In the 1920s, many British papers saw Mussolini as a shield against Bolshevism and admired his strong leadership, including Winston Churchill who praised him during a visit to Rome.
36:27
Fascism is taking root in Britain in the 1920s, with the establishment of the British Fascisti by Rota Lintorn Orman and supported by military personnel and aristocrats.
40:44
The aristocracy in Britain is feeling threatened by Lloyd George's policies and the loss of their political power, leading many to join the British Fascisti, including individuals like William Joyce, who later became known as Lord Haw-Haw.
45:29
Valerie Arkle Smith, also known as Sir Victor Barker, Colonel Barker, and Captain Barker, joins the National Fascisti after mistaking a letter addressed to someone named Barker as an invitation to join, and later becomes a fairground attraction in Blackpool.
Categories:
History
