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Why Britons rejected fascism in the 1930s

Why Britons rejected fascism in the 1930s

While dictators such as Hitler and Stalin were on the rise, interwar Britain chose a more moderate path – Alwyn Turner explains why

Spencer Mizen

Published: March 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM

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The 1920s and 30s were golden decades for extremism. Across Europe, dictators including Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini goose-stepped their way into power, but in Britain, it was a different story. Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizen, Alwyn Turner explains why – with a little help from the football pools, the Women's Institute and the Lambeth Walk – parliamentary democracy reigned supreme.

If you'd like to hear more from Alwyn, you can listen to him discuss 1950s Britain on the HistoryExtra podcast. Go beyond the podcast.

Authors

Spencer MizenSenior production editor

Spencer is senior production editor of HistoryExtra magazine