Communist Revolution in the UK post WWI and its effects on WWII

Is it possible for the UK to win WWI, and humiliates Germany, causing the rise of Hitler as per OTL while in the same TL, the UK suffer its own communist revolution from the Great Depression?

And What would be the effects of this communist UK on WWII?
 
Its possible but very unlikely.

At its height in 1943, during the highpoint of Anglo-Soviet relations as Allies against Hitler, the CPGB was only around 60,000 strong.

During the 1920s and 30s it was hampered by a hostile press, strong challenges from the more moderate socialists and reformers of the Labour Party and Trade Union movement, and general public indifference to the cause.

Even if you had the 1926 General Strike go badly, as most people do in such timelines, the outcome would be much more likely a moderate socialist government.

Have you read Bayonets Won't Cut Coal?

https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=267461
 
The best chance of a revolution in the 20th century was probably 1910-1914. Read "The Strange Death of Liberal England" by George Dangerfield.


...and my "Frozen Spring" TL obviously.:rolleyes:
 
The best chance of a revolution in the 20th century was probably 1910-1914. Read "The Strange Death of Liberal England" by George Dangerfield.


...and my "Frozen Spring" TL obviously.:rolleyes:

Agreed about your nice timeline, but if you have a revolution in 1910-1914 (which is nowhere near as likely as Dangerfield suggests) then it wouldn't be communist but a softer socialism/populism.
 
I'm always surprised at how people seem to think the Great Depression made Communist revolutions conceivable almost anywhere. What the decade was actually notable for was the total *lack* of successful Communist revolutions.

In 1930, the only countries in the world controlled by Communists were the Soviet Union and its satellites Outer Mongolia and Tuva. In 1939, these were *still* the only countries in the world controlled by Communists.

As for the UK, the CPGB had *no* members of the House of Commons after the 1931 election and only one (Willie Gallacher) after 1935. Yes, it did have some support in Glasgow, the coal mining communities of South Wales, the East End, etc. and some influence among intellectuals, but there was never the slightest prospect of it leading a successful revolution, and indeed much of its support after 1935 came precisely from the fact that it was downplaying revoution in favor of a popular front against fascism.
 
Maybe if Communism had been more successful elsewhere it might improve the prospects of a Communist revolution in the UK? Say the Reds win in Hungary, Finland, and maybe the Baltic states. Austria also came pretty close at one point to Communism as I understand it. As a result the Soviet Union is in a much stronger position economically and militarily, which in turn mean both stronger appeal for revolutionary socialism, as well as stronger opposition to it.

Then prevent the worst excesses of Soviet degeneration. Perhaps the Left Opposition is able to win out against Stalin, or they form a popular front with the Right opposition against him? Maybe even have Makhno and the anarchists incorporated into the Soviet project, rather than violently suppressed. This doesn't have to lead to a perfect socialist democracy, but it would take some of the sting out of anti-Soviet propaganda. Also if Trotsky and the Left Opposition remain significant players in Soviet politics that means no 4th International, which butterflies away a major source of far-left sectarianism.

In response to a more active and aggressive far-left, the far-right gains more mainstream support. The 1926 general strike goes badly, leading to the government declaring martial law and establishing a semi-military dictatorship. The military government in Spain is less willing to surrender power, which leads to an early Spanish Civil War (perhaps the 1934 Asturian miner's strike escalates to a full uprising), with Communist/Anarchists as a significant faction, and the UK supporting the military government. With the depression setting in, rising demand for a return to democratic rule, and opposition to UK involvement in the Spanish Civil War growing, all of which contribute to an increasingly radicalised working class and trade union movement, and with the government relying more and more on violent repression and fascist thugs to maintain order, the stage is set for a very British revolution.
 

Polemarchos

Banned
The only way this would work is if the french and german troops revolt and turn the new age momentum turns all of Europe red. The war could be between the former European Imperialists trying to shore up their offshore holdings vs fascist America, Imperial Japan and a bunch of former colonies. This war would be alot different.
 

Strauss

Banned
It would be very unlikely, but if it did happen WW2 would look a lot different. The UK would probably not declare war on Germany.
 
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