Philip M. Coupland, 'H.G. Wells's "Liberal Fascism"',
Journal of Contemporary History, 35 4
(October 2000), 577-594.
Abstract
During
the 1930s H.G. Wells' theory of revolutionary praxis centred around a concept of
'liberal fascism' whereby an authoritarian elite would achieve the Wellsian
‘liberal’ utopia. Taking inspiration from the militarised political movements
of the 1930s, this marked a development in the Wellsian theory of revolution
from the 'open conspiracy' of the 1920s. Although both communist and fascist
movements evinced some of the desired qualities of a Wellsian vanguard, it was
fascism rather than communism which came closest to Wells' ideal. However, in
practice, despite the failure of approaches to parties of the left and centre
as possible agents of revolution, Wells rejected the British Union of Fascists.
The disparity between Wells' theory and his actions when faced by the reality
of fascism echoes the unresolved tension between ends and means at the heart of
the concept of 'liberal fascism'.