This section will cover the violence carried out by the BUF, their propaganda platforms, as well as observing the fluctuating trends of membership. It is important to consider the relationship between propaganda and issues the BUF were experiencing at certain times, such as financial difficulties and declining membership, along with the impact this had in shaping techniques of propaganda.
Violence
Violence was a statement feature to BUF practice. BUF violence escalated as an anti-Semitic sentiment increased across society, a sentiment which Mosley himself pioneered. Jews in East London were frequently targeted by BUF members. Fascist violence became problematic in the 1930s where the rise of anti-fascist groups and campaigns became obstructive to BUF violence. This clash is significantly demonstrated at the Olympia Meeting in 1934 and at the Battle of Cable Street in October 1936.
Olympia Meeting
Occurred in 1934 in West London. Over 2,000 anti-fascists had gathered at a BUF rally with the aim of preventing Mosley from speaking, as well as causing an outbreak of violence. Those protesting not only wanted to prevent Mosley from speaking, but also to create the illusion that he had caused the violence. During the meeting, members from the Communist Party positioned themselves across the audience. Counter demonstrations across London following the events at the Olympia meeting were organised by the Communist Party. During the violence that occurred, sharp instruments were used; it was reported that a young girl had a scratch starting from her eye and reached down to her back. A first aider reported treating 63 black shirts.
Battle of Cable Street
Occurred in 1936 and was a clash between the Metropolitan Police and anti-fascist groups, including Communist and Jewish groups. 20,000 anti-fascist demonstrators were met with 6000-7000 policemen who were clearing the roads for a fascist march. Those marching with the BUF dispersed to Hyde Park, whilst Resulted in 150 demonstrators being arrested, and 175 injured, including men woman and children. The Board of Deputies of British Jews deemed the march as anti-Semitic.
Propaganda
The propaganda platforms used by the BUF were instrumental to gathering support and increasing membership, although the flaws in their usage of propaganda are demonstrated through the lapses in membership that was experienced by the BUF. Propaganda existed in the form of pamphlets (many of which Mosley wrote himself), newspapers such as the East End Pioneer, Action and Blackshirt, as well as rallies and marches, and through these mediums, BUF members were convinced that the existential threats to the nation that were depicted by the BUF were solid hard facts. Additionally, uniforms highlighted the importance of dynamism. After the BUF uniforms were banned in 1936, the party moved to more visual symbols such as badges, bracelets, cufflinks, earrings and armbands with Mosley’s face on it.
Source: An article from the newspaper Blackshirt, published on 8thJuly 1934
Membership
Membership reached a peak of 40,000 in 1934, however by the start of World War II, it has tailed off to about 9000. The BUF had more female members than any other fascist organisation in the world. Additionally, moment represented 27% of attendees in meetings It had a classless nature of appeal, allowing members to come from different background, widening the audience. However support did decline following Lord Rothemere withdrawing his support from the BUF, demonstrating that those of significant status held capital among the BUF. Membership trends were as followed:
Feb 1934—————17,000
Aug 1934————–50,000
Oct 1935—————5,0000
Mar 1936—————10,000
Nov 1936—————15,500
Dec 1938—————16,500
Sept 1939————–22,500
Source: Patterns of Membership and Support for the British Union of Fascists, G. C Webber, Contemporary History, 19.4, October 1984
British Union of Fascists 