New Zealand Legion

The New Zealand Legion was a political organisation founded in New Zealand during the Great Depression. Its ideology was a mixture of nationalism, individualism, and social conservatism. It is sometimes considered to be a fascist (or at least crypto-fascist) group, although the group itself did not see itself in this light.

History

The New Zealand Legion was a successor to the New Zealand National Movement, which had been founded by a group of people dissatisfied with the United-Reform coalition government, who broke away soon after 1930. The group included John Ormond,[1] a former Independent Reform candidate influenced by Albert Davy (although Davy himself did not join the Legion).[2]

In particular, the government was accused of adopting "socialist" policies to combat the Depression,[3] and of attempting to appease left-wingers rather than resist them. The New Zealand Legion presented itself as an alternative solution to the Depression, winning support from conservatives who believed that action was necessary but who rejected the socialist approach.

The Legion reached its height in late 1933, when it is believed to have had around 20,000 members. Much of its support came from smaller provincial towns, particularly in the Hawkes Bay area. The Legion had little in the way of organisation, however, and rarely set out any detailed programs. By the end of 1934, the Legion had dwindled away to virtually nothing.[4]

Ideology

The New Zealand Legion used a number of themes in its campaigning. One was nationalism, with the Legion arguing for greater self-reliance (particularly from Britain) and national unity. Another was individualism — harshly critical of "state paternalism", the Legion promoted what it saw as the right of people to be free from (and if necessary, to resist) government interference in their affairs. There were also calls for greater public morality and self-sacrifice "for the sake of the country". Although the Legion was involved in politics, it did not see itself as a political party, and professed itself opposed to the party system.

Some, particularly on the left, accused the Legion of being a fascist organisation, but this is a contentious claim. In particular, the Legion's belief in individualism is pointed out as contrary to fascist principle. After the Legion's eventual demise, Robert Campbell Begg, its one-time leader, was approached by the Nazis while on a world trip, but is reported to have found their philosophy "absurd".[5][6]

References
  1. Hall, David. "Producer Control in the New Zealand Meat Industry in the 1940s/1950s". ojs.victoria.ac.nz. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
  2. Beaglehole, Diana (22 June 2007). "Davy, Albert Ernest 1886 - 1959". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
  3. "Fascism - our path too?". New Zealand Electronic Text Collection. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
  4. "The New Zealand Legion". New Zealand History. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
  5. M.C.Pugh: "The New Zealand Legion (1932-1935): New Zealand Journal of History (April 1971)
  6. Matthew Cunningham: "Conservative Protest or Conservative Radicalism? The New Zealand Legion in a Comparative Context: 1930-1935: Journal of New Zealand Studies 10 (2011)
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