From Pamphlets to Hashtags: The Evolution of Anti-Fascist Tactics in Britain

How the Fight Against Hate Went from the Streets to the Screens

The story of anti-fascism in Britain is a tale of constant adaptation. In the 1920s and 1930s, activists relied on pamphlets, leaflets, and clandestine meetings to spread their message. Each flyer slipped under a door or handed out at a bus stop was an act of courage and defiance.

As fascist groups changed tactics, so did the resistance. After WWII, punk bands, football fans, and street artists carried the anti-fascist message into new cultural spaces. Songs, graffiti, and fanzines became weapons in the fight for hearts and minds, reaching young people who might never attend a political rally.

Today, the frontline has shifted again. Digital activism—hashtags, viral videos, encrypted chats—allows activists to mobilize thousands in minutes. Campaigns can go global overnight, and solidarity now crosses borders with a click. The rise of intersectional activism means that anti-fascism is linked with struggles for climate justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-racism, making the movement more inclusive and resilient than ever.

The lesson is clear: the fight against hate is always evolving, and so are the tools we use. Whether on paper or online, resistance is within everyone’s reach—sometimes, it’s right in your pocket.