Protestant Action Society facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Protestant Action Society
|
|
|---|---|
| General Secretary | John Cormack |
| Founded | 1933 |
| Ideology | Religious conservatism Anti-Catholicism Anti-Irish immigration |
| Religion | Protestantism |
The Protestant Action Society was a political group in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was active during the 1930s. John Cormack started the group in 1933. By 1936, nine of its members were elected to the Edinburgh Corporation. This was like the city council for Edinburgh. They won 31 percent of the votes.
Contents
What Was the Protestant Action Society?
The Protestant Action Society was a political group. It focused on Protestantism and conservative ideas. They were also against Catholicism. The group was also against people moving to Scotland from Ireland.
How Did They Start?
The society began in 1933. It was founded by John Cormack. He was a key leader of the group.
Key Events and Gatherings
In June 1935, the society organized large gatherings. These events led to some public disturbances. One event happened in Waverley Market. Another was called "the Morningside Riot." This took place in Canaan Lane. About 20,000 Protestant Action supporters gathered. They protested against 10,000 people attending a Eucharistic Congress.
Comparing Them to Other Groups
Some people compared the Protestant Action Society to fascist groups of that time. However, the society actually opposed some fascist movements. For example, they physically attacked meetings of the British Union of Fascists in Edinburgh. This was because the British Union of Fascists supported a "United Ireland." The Protestant Action Society did not agree with this idea.
Other similar groups also appeared in Scotland. These included the Scottish Protestant League in Glasgow. There was also the Scottish Democratic Fascist Party.
Who Was Involved?
One important person elected was Esta Henry. She was a Jewish antique dealer. She became a councillor for one of the Canongate areas in 1936.
John Cormack tried to get the Orange Order in Scotland to join his movement. But he did not have much success. He left the movement in 1939. He was not allowed back until the late 1950s.
At its strongest, the Protestant Action Society had about 8,000 members.
See also
- Ulster Protestant League
- Scottish Protestant League
- Scottish Democratic Fascist Party
