A Short History of Antifascism
Antifascism is almost as old as fascism itself. As soon as Mussolini's movement appeared in Italy after the First World War, ordinary people organised to resist it. Here is a short history of antifascism, from the 1920s to today.
Italy, 1920s: the first antifascists
Fascism was born in Italy. In 1921, workers and veterans formed the Arditi del Popolo to defend their neighbourhoods against the violence of Mussolini's Blackshirts. It was one of the first organised antifascist groups in history. After Mussolini seized power in 1922, many antifascists were jailed or forced into exile.
Germany, 1932: Antifaschistische Aktion
In Germany, as the Nazi party grew, the Antifaschistische Aktion was launched in 1932. Its logo, two flags inside a circle, is the antifa flag we still see today. You can read the full story in our article What Does the Antifa Flag Mean?
The same year, the social democratic Iron Front adopted the three arrows symbol. Divisions on the left meant these movements never fully united, and the Nazis took power in 1933.
1936: No pasarán and Cable Street
In July 1936, a military coup against the Spanish Republic started the Spanish Civil War. In Madrid, Dolores Ibárruri gave a famous speech with the words "¡No pasarán!", "they shall not pass". Tens of thousands of volunteers from all over the world joined the International Brigades to fight fascism in Spain.
A few months later, on 4 October 1936, the British Union of Fascists tried to march through the Jewish East End of London. Huge crowds of local residents, Jewish groups, Irish dockers and trade unionists blocked the streets. The march was stopped. The Battle of Cable Street became a symbol of a community standing together.
The Second World War and the Resistance
During the war, resistance movements fought fascism and Nazi occupation across Europe: in France, Italy, Yugoslavia, Greece, Poland and beyond. In Italy, partisans helped liberate the country, and their song Bella Ciao is still sung at antifascist events today.
From the 1980s to today
After 1945, antifascism did not disappear, because the far right did not disappear either. In the 1980s, antifascist groups in Germany brought back the old logo, now with one red and one black flag. Groups formed in the UK, the US and across Europe to counter neo-Nazi movements, often through music scenes, football supporters and local organising.
Today, antifascism is above all a set of values: defending migrants, Jewish and Muslim communities, queer and trans people and everyone targeted by hate. It is not one organisation; it is a movement of people who refuse to look away.
Carry the history with you
Every design in our shop is built around the symbols of this history:
- Antifa Logo T-Shirt, the 1932 flag in its modern red and black colors
- Antifa Logo Hoodie
- Embroidered antifa caps
- Pride antifa designs in rainbow, trans, lesbian and pan colors
Deutschsprachig? Besuche unseren Antifaschistische Aktion Shop. We ship worldwide, with free shipping on orders over $50.
