Oswald Mosley

Oswald mosley MP

Oswald Mosley

Oswald Mosley (16 November 1896 – 3 December 1980) was a British politician known for his involvement in fascism and the founding of the British Union of Fascists (BUF). He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for both the Conservative and Labour parties before forming his own New Party and later the BUF.

Early Life and Education

Mosley was born into an aristocratic family in Mayfair, London. He was educated at Winchester College and later attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. During World War I, he served with the 16th The Queen's Lancers and later the Royal Flying Corps.

Political Career

Mosley's political career began when he was elected as the Conservative MP for Harrow in 1918. He later crossed the floor to join the Labour Party, becoming the MP for Smethwick in 1926. Disillusioned with Labour's policies, he founded the New Party in 1931, which eventually evolved into the British Union of Fascists in 1932.

British Union of Fascists

The BUF was heavily influenced by Italian Fascism and Nazism. Mosley advocated for a corporate state and was known for his anti-Semitic views. The BUF gained some support in the early 1930s but declined after violent clashes, most notably the Battle of Cable Street in 1936. The party was banned in 1940 under the Defence Regulation 18B, and Mosley was interned for most of World War II.

Post-War Activities

After the war, Mosley attempted to revive his political career, forming the Union Movement in 1948, which promoted a united Europe. However, he failed to gain significant support and eventually retired from active politics, moving to France in the 1950s.

Personal Life

Mosley married Cynthia Curzon, daughter of Lord Curzon, in 1920. After her death, he married Diana Mitford, one of the Mitford sisters, in 1936. The couple had two sons.

Legacy

Oswald Mosley remains a controversial figure in British history, remembered for his role in promoting fascism and his anti-Semitic rhetoric. His life and career have been the subject of numerous biographies and studies.

See Also

• Fascism in the United Kingdom
• Battle of Cable Street
• Defence Regulation 18B
• Union Movement
• Mitford family