Anti-fascist movements have a long history in Europe, with people standing up against hate and authoritarianism for nearly a century. Across different countries, these movements have taken on various forms, sometimes through organized protests and other times through direct action in the streets. While the fight against fascism may have begun in response to figures like Mussolini and Hitler, the battle continues today as modern far-right ideologies gain traction. Let’s take a look at how anti-fascist movements across Europe have developed, how they differ, and what they share in common.
Resistance movements against fascism in the United Kingdom
The UK has seen several waves of fascist activity, and with each one, anti-fascist groups have risen to push back. One of the most famous moments in British anti-fascism was the Battle of Cable Street in 1936. Fascist leader Oswald Mosley tried to march his British Union of Fascists through London’s East End, a working-class area with a large Jewish population.
Thousands of local residents, including communists, trade unionists, and Jewish groups, came together to block the march. The result was a violent confrontation between anti-fascists and the police, but the fascists were ultimately forced to retreat. This event became a symbol of anti-fascist resistance in the UK.
Later, in the 1980s and 1990s, Anti-Fascist Action (AFA) played a major role in confronting far-right groups like the National Front and the British National Party. AFA was known for its direct action tactics, engaging in street fights and disrupting far-right meetings. Today, groups like Hope Not Hate continue the fight through activism, education, and community organizing, showing that the UK’s anti-fascist tradition is still very much alive.
Germany’s efforts to combat fascist ideologies
Germany, given its dark history with Nazism, has a particularly strong and organized anti-fascist movement. The group Antifaschistische Aktion (Antifa) was originally founded in the 1930s to fight against Hitler’s rise to power. After World War II, the division of Germany into East and West saw different approaches to anti-fascism.
In East Germany, anti-fascism became part of the state’s official ideology, though it was often used more as a political tool than a genuine grassroots movement.
In modern Germany, Antifa has seen a resurgence in response to the growing far-right movements like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has gained popularity in recent years. Antifa in Germany is known for its militant and sometimes confrontational tactics, including protests, direct action, and counter-demonstrations.
While they’ve been successful in disrupting far-right rallies and events, their aggressive methods have sparked debate in the media and among the public.
Italy’s organized opposition to fascist regimes
Italy, the birthplace of fascism under Benito Mussolini, also has a long tradition of anti-fascist resistance. During World War II, Italian partisans played a critical role in fighting Mussolini’s regime and Nazi occupation. The Brigate Garibaldi, a communist-led partisan group, was one of the largest resistance forces and was instrumental in liberating parts of northern Italy from fascist control. Their actions are celebrated in Italian history as key to ending the fascist dictatorship.
In the post-war years, Italy has continued to face challenges from far-right groups. Modern neo-fascist organizations like CasaPound have gained some ground, but Italy’s anti-fascist movements remain strong. Anti-fascists in Italy use a mix of street protests, cultural activism, and political organizing to counter these far-right movements. The legacy of the partisans and their fight for freedom continues to inspire today’s activists, who see themselves as part of a long struggle to keep fascism at bay.
Spain’s historical and modern-day anti-fascist efforts
Spain’s anti-fascist history is closely tied to the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), when anti-fascist forces, including international volunteers in the International Brigades, fought against the fascist regime of Francisco Franco.
The war ended in defeat for the anti-fascists, and Franco ruled Spain as a dictator until 1975. However, the spirit of anti-fascism lived on, and the memory of those who fought against Franco continues to inspire activists in Spain today.
In recent years, far-right parties like Vox have gained momentum in Spain, leading to a resurgence in anti-fascist activism. Groups like Unión Antifascista have organized protests, counter-demonstrations, and cultural events to oppose the rise of fascism and right-wing nationalism.
Spain’s anti-fascist movement, like others in Europe, often works hand in hand with broader left-wing movements, pushing for social justice, workers’ rights, and an inclusive society.
Eastern Europe’s defiance against fascist forces
In Eastern Europe, the struggle against fascism took on a different form after World War II, as many countries came under Soviet control. Anti-fascism became part of the state narrative, but after the fall of communism in the 1990s, far-right nationalism began to rise again in countries like Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic. This has led to the formation of new anti-fascist groups that work to combat this resurgence.
In Poland, for example, groups like KOD (Committee for the Defense of Democracy) have emerged in response to the rise of far-right politics and the erosion of democratic institutions. In Hungary, anti-fascist activists face a particularly tough battle against the authoritarian government of Viktor Orbán, which has promoted nationalist and anti-immigrant policies.
Across Eastern Europe, anti-fascist groups engage in protests, public campaigns, and advocacy for human rights, often in the face of government crackdowns and repression.
A comparative analysis of methods and approaches in anti-fascist campaigns
When we compare the anti-fascist movements across Europe, a few key differences stand out. Direct action is a common tactic, but its intensity varies. In the UK and Germany, groups like AFA and Antifa are known for their physical confrontations with fascist groups.
This contrasts with the approach in Spain and Italy, where cultural activism and broader political organizing play a more prominent role. Italy’s anti-fascist legacy, for example, is deeply rooted in its partisan history, and this historical context shapes how anti-fascists organize today.
Another difference lies in how anti-fascists relate to political parties. In countries like Italy and Spain, there’s often a closer relationship between anti-fascist groups and left-wing political parties. Meanwhile, in places like the UK and Germany, anti-fascist groups tend to operate more independently, even rejecting alliances with mainstream political organizations.
One thing that is common across Europe is the reliance on grassroots organizing. Whether it’s through protests, community events, or online campaigns, anti-fascist movements focus on building local support to counter fascist ideologies. Social media has become an important tool in this regard, helping anti-fascist groups mobilize quickly and spread their message far beyond their local communities.
Conclusion
Anti-fascist movements in Europe have a long history, and they continue to adapt to the challenges of modern far-right ideologies. From the streets of London to the political arenas of Eastern Europe, these movements use a range of tactics to resist fascism. While their methods may differ, their goal remains the same: to protect their societies from the dangers of hate, division, and authoritarianism.
As the far-right continues to rise in parts of Europe, the role of anti-fascist movements is more important than ever. Through solidarity, education, and direct action, they are working to ensure that fascism never gains a foothold in modern society again.