What Was Happening in London in the 1930s?

By Anna Duncan

London in the 1930s was a time of great change and excitement. The city was a hub of cultural, social, and political activity. From the rise of fascism to the emergence of new art movements, London was at the forefront of many important developments.

Politics and Society

In the 1930s, London was a city in turmoil. The economic depression that had gripped the world since 1929 had hit Britain hard, leading to high levels of unemployment and poverty. This led to a rise in support for far-right groups such as Oswald Mosley’s British Union of Fascists (BUF), who held rallies and marches throughout the city.

At the same time, there was also a growing sense of social and political activism. The London County Council (LCC) was formed in 1933, giving local government more power over housing and other public services. This led to an increase in public housing construction, which helped to alleviate some of the worst effects of poverty.

Arts and Culture

Despite the difficult economic conditions, London’s arts scene flourished in the 1930s. New art movements such as surrealism and abstraction emerged, with artists such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth gaining international recognition.

Theatre also experienced a golden age during this period, with new works by writers such as George Bernard Shaw and Noel Coward proving hugely popular with audiences.

The West End

The West End theatre district continued to be one of London’s biggest draws during this period. The likes of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh graced its stages regularly during their careers.

The East End

In contrast to the West End’s glitz and glamour, London’s East End was undergoing major changes during this time too. Mass immigration from Europe had led to overcrowding in some areas, but also brought new cultures and traditions to the city.

The East End was also the birthplace of a new style of music that would go on to become hugely popular worldwide – jazz. The area’s vibrant nightlife played host to many famous musicians, including the legendary Louis Armstrong.

Sport

In 1934, London hosted the Empire Games, a precursor to the modern Commonwealth Games. This was a major event for the city, and helped to cement its reputation as a global sporting capital.

Football was also hugely popular during this period, with Arsenal and Chelsea emerging as two of London’s biggest clubs.

Conclusion

London in the 1930s was a time of great change and upheaval. Despite the difficult economic conditions, however, the city remained a hub of cultural and social activity. From politics and society to arts and culture, there was always something happening in London during this period.