Oswald Mosley: The Real Story Behind the Peaky Blinders Villain
From Politician to Fascist
Introduced in season 5 of the popular TV show "Peaky Blinders," Sir Oswald Mosley is portrayed as a cunning and ruthless fascist leader. His character is largely based on the real-life historical figure of the same name, who played a significant role in the rise of fascism in England.Mosley, born in 1896, initially pursued a career in politics as a member of the Labour Party. However, he became disillusioned with the party's policies and eventually founded the British Union of Fascists (BUF) in 1932.
The BUF, modeled on Nazi and Italian fascist organizations, promoted extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, and the cult of personality around Mosley. Mosley's speeches were known for their fiery rhetoric and demagogic appeal, attracting a diverse following from disaffected workers to members of the upper class.
Mosley's Rise and Fall
The BUF gained popularity in the 1930s amidst a climate of economic instability and social unrest. Mosley's followers organized mass rallies, often leading to violent clashes with anti-fascist groups. However, the BUF's influence began to wane with the outbreak of World War II.
In 1940, Mosley was arrested and interned for the duration of the war. After his release, he continued his fascist activities but failed to regain the support he had enjoyed in the pre-war years. Mosley died in 1980, a discredited figure whose legacy remains tainted by his association with fascism.
"Peaky Blinders" Accuracy
While the character of Oswald Mosley in "Peaky Blinders" is largely based on the historical figure, there are some notable differences. The show portrays Mosley as a more cunning and dangerous opponent than he was in reality.
In the show, Mosley is depicted as having close ties to the Nazi regime in Germany. However, in real life, Mosley had a more distant relationship with Hitler and the Nazis. Mosley's BUF was not as openly anti-Semitic as the German SS or the Italian Blackshirts.
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