ABSTRACT
In the 1930s, Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists was confronted by a large anti-fascist campaign, led at times by the Communist Party and including Jewish and ex-servicemen’s organisations. As the 1970s wore on, an increasing part in the anti-fascist campaign was being played by the International Socialists. A South Tyneside Anti-Fascist Committee was formed in 1972 with the support of the local Trades Council and Claimants’ Union. It campaigned against the Front during local and national elections. The anti-fascists were prosecuted for breaching electoral rules. From 1973 onwards, the use of the image became a recurring tactic of almost every anti-fascist group. Key source of support for anti-fascism came from a generation of young black British people, many of them the children of migrants. The large number of actors, graphic designers and musicians who were to play a part in the anti-fascist campaigns attests to the importance of this generation on the left.
