Oswald Mosley

Sir Oswald Ernald Mosley, 6th Baronet (November 16, 1896 – December 3, 1980) was a British politician principally known as the founder of the British Union of Fascists. He was also the sixth baronet of a title established in 1720.

Elected MP

At the end of the war, Mosley decided to go into politics as a Conservative MP, although he was only 21 years old and had not fully developed his politics. Largely because of his family background, he was considered by several constituencies; a vacancy near the family estates seemed to be the best prospect. Unexpectedly, he was selected for Harrow first. In the general election of 1918 he faced no serious opposition and was elected easily. He was the youngest member of the House of Commons to take his seat (there was an abstentionist Sinn Féin MP who was younger). He soon distinguished himself as an orator and political player, albeit one marked with extreme self-confidence. He made a point of speaking in the House of Commons without notes.

Related Topics:
Conservative - MP - Harrow - General election of 1918 - House of Commons - Sinn Féin

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In 1920, he married Lady Cynthia Curzon (known as 'Cimmie'), second daughter of George Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Earl Curzon of Kedleston, Viceroy of India, and Lord Curzon's first wife, the American mercantile heiress the former Mary Victoria Leiter. Lord Curzon had to be persuaded that Mosley was a suitable husband, as he suspected Mosley was largely motivated by social advancement and his new wife's inheritance. It turned out that Curzon was right to be suspicious. Nevertheless, the wedding was the social event of the year, attended by many branches of European royalty.

Related Topics:
1920 - Lady Cynthia Curzon - George Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Earl Curzon of Kedleston - Viceroy of India - Mary Victoria Leiter

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