Joel A Lewis Youth Against Fascism.pdf

THE YOUTH STRUGGLE AGAINST WAR
the globe by unleashing world war. As far as fascism is concerned, peace is certain
ruin.... Now both the friends and foes of peace are openly speaking of the menace of a
new world war which has come upon us. And it would also be difficult to find seriousminded
people who at all doubt that it is precisely the fascist governments that are foremost
in the desire for war.... The international proletariat and all progressive and civilized
mankind will not tolerate their military aggression and acts of robbery, and are
ready to do everything to prevent them from fulfilling their plans of igniting the flames
of a new world war.... The relation between the forces of war and the forces of peace is
not what it was in 1914. Tremendous world historical changes have taken place since
that time.... This, however, requires that the tremendous forces and means at the disposal
of the international labor movement be united and directed toward an effective and unyielding
struggle against fascism and war. 9
Dimitrov's analysis reiterated the theme of clashing civilizations. "Serious-minded"
people could see that fascism desired war. Fascist world war could be prevented by the
united action of "all progressive and civilized mankind" who represented the "forces of
peace." War was personified in fascism as a rejection of progress and civilization. The
Popular Front was propagated as the only strategy that could effectively unite the forces
of peace to resist "the menace of a new world war."
The Popular Front Generation did not place its hopes for peace in a distant socialist
future, but rather reflected on the past to assist them in their present struggles to preserve
peace. Young communists rejected notions of passivity and historical inevitability.
Peace was not an abstract notion for a millenarian future. Peace was the pressing issue of
the day dominating all elements of youth politics. Fascism used small-scale military
campaigns to test the will of the international community and to prepare their forces for a
larger world war. Popular Front rhetoric insisted coordinated youth anti-fascist activities
could defend peace now. Youth could influence state policy and inspire the "forces of
peace" to unite in struggle against fascism and war.
The British and American YCLs adapted Popular Front rhetoric to reflect their unique
role in the international struggle for peace. Their propaganda interpreted the unfolding of
world events and sought to empower youth with the ability to impact world politics.
Both YCLs rejected the notion that war was necessary to counter fascist provocations.
The YCLGB directed their peace rhetoric against Chamberlain, violations of international
law and youth apathy:
Let us look the facts in the face. Yes, the working class, its youth, and the overwhelming
majority of the people, want peace and a struggle against war. They are the most
powerful force for world peace. Outside of these forces of peace are however forces of
war – fascism.... This pro-fascist policy of Chamberlain and the capitulation of Daladier
has brought nothing to the cause of peace, but resulted only in the increased danger of
war. Can the working class and its youth, can the socialist youth movement, conduct itself
passively towards the provocative drive of fascism and reaction towards war Under
no circumstances.... War is not inevitable if international law is observed and
complete justice for the peoples established in accordance with the peaceful and democratic
will of the peoples in each nation....The working youth of the whole world should
be made clear, that the sun of peace will rise over Europe only when the working class
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