S/H/16. Why did the British Union of Fascists (BUF) fail to mobilise mass popular support in Britain, 1932-40?

In this paper, the failure of the British Union of Fascists (BUF) is comprehensively analysed. Begining with membership figures, it is argued that the popularity of the movement is difficult to gauge as sales of Fascist publications remained high at times of low membership for the organisation. BUF strategy is also questioned, as the adoption of political violence in 1934 alienated many members and made enemies, the withdrawal of Lord Rothermeres press support after the violent events of Olympia for example. The joint Jewish and Communist counter-propaganda movement also demonstrates that the BUF was significantly damaged from a number of sources.