Squadism

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Squadism was a militant movement within the Anti-Nazi League in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s and early 1980s.[1] Participants used violence and intimidation to break up meetings, marches and other gatherings of far right groups such as the National Front and the British Movement. The idea behind the tactic was to intimidate groups seen as fascist, without generating media publicity for the far right. Squadism became increasingly frowned upon by the ANL leadership, and many squadists were expelled. When the ANL disbanded, many ex-squad members went on to form Anti-Fascist Action and Red Action.

In Italy, the Arditi del Popolo (people's squads) pursued a similar policy in the 1920s and was suppressed by the Communist Party of Italy.[2][3]

[edit] Footnotes

  1. ^ A short history of the Anti-Nazi League
  2. ^ Working Class Defence Organization, Anti-Fascist Resistance and the Arditi Del Popolo in Turin, 1919-22 - Sonnessa 33 (2): 183 - European History Quarterly
  3. ^ The Arditi del Popolo in Italy the first anti-fascist organization (1921-22)
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