What do you suppose was the appeal of fascist rhetoric for people in Britain, and people like Diana and Unity in particular?

What do you suppose was the appeal of fascist rhetoric for people in Britain, and people like Diana and Unity in particular? What promises did the BUF make? Had they attained power, do you believe they would have been able to keep those promises?

Fascism is largely about control. When people have major economic and security anxieties, they often turn to what they perceive to be a "strong" leader. Democracy is messy and largely about compromise and participation. BUF and other fascist groups promise safety and protection from perceived threats - the "other", as well as hardship conditions. Diana and Unity had the added appeal of personally falling under the influence of the fascist leader's charisma and seduction. The personal became political. No, fascists are rarely, if ever, able to keep their promises. Their commodity
is power for themselves not the betterment of their citizens.

Agree 100% with "shirleyl"! The economy was bad, unemployment was high, leadership was weak,immigration was not looked upon favourably. Along comes a charismatic leader who promises to change all that for the benefit of "almost everyone". He has a scapegoat, a way to place blame, and vague ideas. He riles people up at rallies, gets them excited and gives them something to believe in.

For Diana, I really think it was about power and lust. For Unity I think there was a cult of personality, and the movement that allowed her to feel superior, and powerful, something she was not able to do amongst her sisters.

For people at this level in society, I really cannot see how they could think this type of leadership would be of any benefit to them. Sure, some would retain power, wealth and influence, but most would not!

I agree. I also think being a socialite became boring. Looking pretty, going to parties and having your picture taken for the newspaper wasn’t enough for an ambitious and intelligent woman like Diana. She loved Mosley but also knew she was key to his success. She wanted the power and status she found with Mosley. I don’t think it was about an ideal or helping English citizens for her.

Unity wanted recognition and attention. She felt lost within her family and ignored by her parents. Any organization or person who recognized her skills and praised her abilities would have received her loyalty. Unfortunately for her it was Hitler and the Nazi party that won her attention.

The upper class in England were often living off an inheritance. Discussions about politics and involvement in political groups gave some of the “idle rich” a purpose. One example was Nancy’s husband, Peter who stopped drinking and worked hard to help his country during the war. Nancy also ‘got her hands dirty” and actually helped others in contrast to Unity and Diana who helped the men they loved promote their political agendas.

This is the same as the appeal to any dogma: the WIIFM (what's in it for me). If the rhetoric seems to provide a solution to current problems (in this case, German pride was flagging after WWI and many felt an economic struggle). When a charimastic leader brings the sheer force of his/her personality with "fixes" to the perceived ills, people jump on the bandwagon without much thought. Plus it was much easier to obfuscate the ugly sordid facts of the detention camps. It would be nice to think that the easier access to information today would make the same situation nearly impossible. But who's to say?

I to agree with "shirleyl"! because the economy in Britain was bad and people were looking for economic recovery and stability thus they fell for the promises the Fascists made and supported them with their rallies and vocal support. With Unity she was just looking for recognition and loved the attention she received. With Diana it was that she gained control of herself and the people around her.

Shirley hit the nail on the head! Even though WWI was behind them, I’m feel sure families were still feeling the effects. Diane was so in love with “M” that she would do anything to garner his attention and win out over Baba. Plus it was another form of status for her. Not just the “it girl,” but one with power. For Unity, it gave her influence and recognition not only within her family but also her childhood fascination became a reality when she moved to Germany.

I agree with the previous comments, especially Shirley's take on 1930s Britain. People were looking for alternative political views as their government was seen as weak and failing. Nazism was a perceived antidote to communism. I think many people involved in the BUF were naive as to the Nazi's motives, their antisemitism and violence. Especially Unity. Once she realized Germany was at war with Britain she knew she would be perceived as a traitor and tried to take her life. Diana wanted sheer power through her adored Mosley. She was addicted to her man and the power he wielded.

After World War I, the economy was very bad in Great Britain and the rich people were looking for government leadership that would assure that they would keep their own wealth. Communism would have meant everyone - rich and poor - being equal so they were all more interested in fascist ideas.

I agree with cindyb!! Those society girls were bored and looking for something that gave them status and facists are about keeping the status quo. Peopel who are looking to maintain their place in society, keeping what they had, not letting anyone else take what they have is very much in keeping with facism. After WWI, Europe was devastated economically- plus they were all looking for a scapegoat for their problems. And Jews, unfortunately, are the worlds oldest scapegoats. AND those MItford women were incredibly naive!!

I believe the appeal was a need for safety and protection and this was particularly attractive coming off a war, economic upheaval and the fascist message was one promising stability, work, values. Diana became a fascist out of passion and love and used the movement to keep her man, for Unity I think it is the power Hitler held, that it provided a unique way to exert influence and power and gaining a recognition she had been deprived of.

Fascist rhetoric promised a return to a previous era when when Governments were strong and the Social order strictly enforced. Great Britain never fully recovered from WWI, and the Great Depression only added to the countries woes The leaders were weak and ineffectual, the economy was floundering and the social order was in flux. People saw leaders such as Hitler and Mussolini bringing their respective countries stability and prosperity and they wanted the same.

I have some trouble separating what the Fascists and Hitler did from what the appeal would be. I realize that the Mitford sisters did not know what that power would lead to, but I still struggle a bit sympathizing with them. Like many others, I think Diana was swept into the political movement because of her passion for Mosley. Unity, I thought was intrigued by Hitler and enjoyed "the game" of pursuing him. I thought that the sisters were all encouraged to have their own thoughts, which is good, but it seemed to lead them to rebellion for rebellion's sake.

I'm not sure either Unity or Diana were particularly drawn to fascism. I think Diana was drawn to Mosley, and therefore did what she could to support him, and Unity was looking for an acceptance and a sense of power she could never have at home.

I think people in Britain were drawn to the fascist narrative, initially, not just because of the struggling economy, but because of the excitement of joining an up-and-coming club. The social classes in London were still very stratified from the Industrial Revolution, and the fascist movement accepted, and appealed to, all levels of society. Particularly for women, such as Diana and Unity, the movement allowed members to express their opinions in a more equitable format than previously seen. As fascism gained momentum, people were sucked into its appeal, and they subsequently became indoctrinated when peer pressure discouraged questioning it.

It is frightening to realize how easily some people, even well-educated and/or well-connected ones can get caught up in a movement. Just look at all of the conspiracy theories running amok in today's culture even though we have access to information that often debunk them. In addition to the prior points brought up from others, it is worth remembering that WWI altered the economic AND social structure at all levels of society in England. Many in the aristocratic class were no longer able to sustain their landholdings & the working class wanted a more equitable rewards for their efforts. All of this played into the discontent that seemed to be soothed by the political rhetoric. What might have started out as idealistic talk by some quickly got usurped by greed & power sought by the fascist leadership throughout Europe. None of this mattered to Diana or Unity. Diana only embraced the fascist cause (outwardly) as a means to pursue & manipulate her lover, whom she viewed as added excitement to her life. She often referred to being in control. Unity, who I feel was mentally unbalanced, gravitated toward the black & white structure of fascism (think of her bedroom decorations while at home) as a means to belong. Finding what she perceived as acceptance & appreciation in Germany only fed her need to feel as significant as her sisters, particularly Diana.

Fascism made appealing promises to the people. It gave hope to many who were looking for a positive change in personal circumstances. Diana loved Mosley and did all she could to promote him. Unity was one of the younger sisters and she felt overlooked in the family.
Nancy was smart and a novelist. Diana was said to beautiful. Unity was looking for recognition. She met Hitler and he liked her adoration. He
Invited her to join him for teas and operas. She is a Hitler-lover and she feels special.

Britain, at the time, was in serious economic trouble. They were suffering from loss of property, and investments. The basics were costing more and more. The people had lost faith in the leaders who came across as weak and unable to solve these issues. When a charismatic personality comes along offering solutions to these problems, especially one who appears to be strong and who can offer up someone to blame for their ills, people are willing not only to listen but to follow that person and the beliefs he is putting forth. Fascism offered such promises. However, with Diana and Unity, it was not a national cause that pulled them in. With Diana her desires were purely selfish and greedy and for Unity her need to be accepted and cared for sadly led to her joining a group where she felt needed.

I think the economic status of Britain after the Great War had many of Britain's citizens searching for leaders that would change their economic circumstances. During such trying times people are more apt to search out new leadership.

Diana seemed to enjoy the feeling of power and control. Even though she seemed to have all she could want plus more, she felt her marriage to Bryan Guinness was stagnant. Diana was bored with her lifestyle.

Unity has never felt that she "fits in" with her peers and her family. Her fascination with fascism started at a very young age and she is determined to be a part of the transformation when it happens. She will finally find her place.