Podcast Summary
Exploring resources for community building and personal growth: Neighbor to Neighbor fosters connections, Chumba Casino offers entertainment, State Farm promotes financial empowerment, ZYN pouches provide an alternative to smoking, and Behind the Bastards educates on historical fascism.
There are various initiatives and resources available to help build stronger communities and improve different aspects of people's lives. For instance, Neighbor to Neighbor is a volunteer network that encourages people to connect with their neighbors and prepare for emergencies. Chumba Casino offers a fun and potentially rewarding experience for those looking to unwind and win. State Farm emphasizes the importance of financial empowerment and setting financial goals. ZYN nicotine pouches provide an alternative to traditional smoking methods. Lastly, Behind the Bastards explores the origins of fascism in America, shedding light on historical events and ideologies. Overall, these examples showcase the power of community, self-improvement, and knowledge in creating positive change.
Early American Fascism: Origins and European Interference: Italian and German immigrants formed the first American fascist organizations in the 1920s, primarily targeting atheism, internationalism, and communism. However, European fascist movements hindered the growth of American fascism, and many American groups were dissolved or absorbed.
The early roots of fascism in America can be traced back to the 1920s, with the formation of the first American fascist organizations by Italian and German immigrants. These groups, such as the Fascist League of North America and the National Socialist Teutonia Association, primarily positioned themselves against various ideologies including atheism, internationalism, and communism. However, neither the Italian nor German governments were particularly interested in spreading fascism in America at the time. Instead, these organizations primarily served as fundraising vehicles for the growing fascist movements in Europe. Despite these early efforts, European fascists ultimately proved to be a hindrance to the growth of American fascism, and many American fascist groups were dissolved or absorbed into other organizations as the Nazi party consolidated power in Germany.
The Rise of Fascist Sentiment in the US during the 1930s: During the 1930s, some Americans supported fascist ideologies and organizations, but these groups were anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi, and not preferable or desirable forms of government.
The 1930s saw the rise of fascist sentiment in the United States, with organizations like the Friends of Germany and the German American Bund promoting Nazi propaganda and building support for Nazi Germany. Although these groups claimed to be pro-American, their messaging was overtly anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi. One of the earliest American fascist intellectuals was Lawrence Dennis, who argued that fascism was preferable to communism and that the depression had proven capitalism's failure. The Friends of Germany recruited thousands of members, making it comparable in size to the American Communist Party, but drew negative attention from the US Congress for its armed division and German members. The organization was dissolved in 1936 and absorbed by the German American Bund, which was led by Fritz Julius Kuhn and had a more explicit fascist agenda. Despite the popularity of fascist ideas among some Americans, it's important to remember that fascism is not a preferable or desirable form of government.
The Rise of American Fascism: From Lawrence Dennis to William Dudley Pelley: American fascism emerged domestically, led by figures like Lawrence Dennis and William Dudley Pelley, who envisioned a white-supremacist, government-controlled economy, disguised as a benevolent Christian Commonwealth.
American fascism did not originate from foreign powers but grew rapidly within the country itself. Lawrence Dennis, a renowned figure, predicted its rise, but his prediction did not come to fruition as he had anticipated. Meanwhile, a former Hollywood screenwriter named William Dudley Pelley had a profound religious experience that led him to found the Silver Legion of America, the first explicitly American fascist organization. Pelley's antisemitic beliefs and spiritualist leanings coalesced into a unique brand of American fascism. His vision of a new nation, which he called the Christian Commonwealth, involved a government-owned economy and a basic income for all citizens, but only for white citizens. This shows how Pelley's ideas, while seemingly benign at first, took a dark turn towards re-enslavement of Black Americans for free labor. This history serves as a reminder of the potential for dangerous ideologies to take root and gain momentum within a society.
The First Instance of Homegrown Fascism in the US under Pelly's Leadership: Pelly's Silver Shirt Movement was the first instance of homegrown fascism in the US, rooted in white identity and fear of communism, using anti-Semitic sentiment to recruit followers.
The establishment of the Commonwealth under Pelly's leadership marked the first instance of homegrown fascism in the United States. This brand of fascism, which Pelly referred to as "Yaggy doodle fascism," drew inspiration from European fascism but had distinctly American characteristics. It was rooted in white identity and used fear of communism as a marketing tool to recruit followers. The Silver Shirt Movement's recruiting pamphlets, such as "The Reds are Upon Us," cleverly used anti-communist sentiment to introduce the idea that communism was fundamentally opposed to being a gentile. The pamphlet also estimated that one-fifth of the US population, or 22 million people, were communists, with the Jewish population being the main backbone of the movement. Despite Pelly's claim that not all Jewish people were communists, his belief that rabbis were communist leaders added to the anti-Semitic sentiment. Overall, Pelly's fascism was a dangerous and easily spreadable version of the ideology, drawing inspiration from the "botulism taco" of European fascism while adding its own American twist.
The Silver Shirts: A Fascist Organization in America During the 1930s: Despite being a homegrown fascist group, the Silver Shirts received support and inspiration from the Nazi party in Germany, as evidenced by their leader's purchase of a California house using potentially Nazi funds.
The Silver Shirts, a fascist organization in the United States during the 1930s, gained some level of influence and support, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest. This group, which drew inspiration from Adolf Hitler's anti-Bolshevism and anti-Semitic beliefs, had thousands of members at its peak. The Nazis reportedly took notice of the Silver Shirts and even provided some financial support. The group's leader, William Dudley Pelley, is believed to have purchased a house in California, which could have been funded by the German Nazi party. This house, now a popular hiking spot, was registered under a false name, adding to the mystery surrounding the organization. The Silver Shirts' rise highlights the presence of fascist ideologies in America during this time and the potential influence of transnational connections on domestic politics.
Father Coughlin's Shift from Denouncing KKK to Attacking Bankers: Father Coughlin, a popular radio personality in the 1930s, moved from criticizing the KKK to targeting international bankers, using potentially anti-Semitic language. He was removed from major networks but continued broadcasting through his own platform, endorsing FDR to help tackle the Great Depression, yet contributing to the spread of hate speech.
The radio personality Father Charles Coughlin, who gained immense popularity in the 1930s with roughly 29 million American listeners, shifted from denouncing the KKK to attacking international bankers, often using language that was perceived as anti-Semitic. He was eventually kicked off major radio networks and created his own platform, the Radio League of the Little Flower, to continue his broadcasts. This early form of patronage allowed him to spread his messages without restrictions, and his endorsement of Franklin D. Roosevelt was driven by his desire to address the Great Depression. Despite his earlier stance against the KKK, his later rhetoric contributed to the spread of hate speech and anti-Semitic sentiments during a turbulent time in American history.
Father Coughlin's Political Party and Anti-Semitic Speeches: During the Great Depression, Father Coughlin advocated for inflation solutions, formed a political party, and made anti-Semitic speeches, but infighting and personal conflicts led to its downfall.
Father Coughlin, a radio priest during the Great Depression, advocated for inflation through minting gold and silver coins to reduce debt and unemployment. However, when President FDR didn't follow this plan, Coughlin became disillusioned and started his own political party, the National Union for Social Justice. He also urged the abolition of the Federal Reserve and called for resistance against communism and socialism. Coughlin gained a massive following, but his alliance with other populist politicians was hindered by infighting and personal conflicts. Despite early success, the Union Party was ultimately defeated in the 1936 elections. Coughlin's speeches, including one in Cleveland, were known for their oratorical skills but also contained anti-Semitic sentiments. Unfortunately, the Union Party's leaders, Coughlin and Smith, were unable to keep their act together, leading to the party's downfall.
Fascist groups in the US during the 1930s, led by Pelley, tried to recruit Native Americans: Despite Pelley's attempts to recruit Native Americans to his fascist cause, his influence remained limited due to the success of New Deal policies.
During the 1930s, various fascist groups in the United States, such as the Silver Shirts led by William Dudley Pelley, were actively spreading their ideologies and recruiting followers. Pelley, who had a history of fraud and scandal, saw the economic crisis as an opportunity to gain support for his Christian party, which he believed was necessary to save America from the Jewish conspiracy he believed was behind the crisis. He even attempted to win over Native Americans by exploiting their perceived victimhood and their potential opposition to the Jewish influence in the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Pelley's efforts to recruit Native American supporters, led by Portland attorney Elwood Towner, who called himself "Chief Red Cloud," gained some success due to Towner's charisma and the novelty of his Indian costume adorned with swastikas. However, the overall convergence of these fascist groups was still limited, and their influence paled in comparison to the New Deal policies of President Roosevelt.
American Figures Promoted Fascist and Anti-Semitic Ideologies During the 1930s: During the 1930s, figures like Chief Red Cloud, Father Charles Coughlin, and the German American Bund spread fascist and anti-Semitic ideologies through speaking tours and media, but none gained significant political power.
During the 1930s, certain American figures, including Chief Red Cloud and Father Charles Coughlin, propagated anti-Semitic and fascist ideologies. Red Cloud, who went from being a lawyer to a controversial speaker, claimed that Jews were "gold worshipers" who would corrupt the country and put Native Americans in concentration camps. He also endorsed Pelley's Christian party, which did poorly in the 1936 elections. Meanwhile, Coughlin, a Catholic priest, used his radio show to spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and called for a National Socialist Party in the United States. The German American Bund, another fascist group, supported Alf Landon in the 1936 elections, believing his administration would have more favorable commercial relations with Nazi Germany. However, none of these efforts resulted in significant political gains for the American fascist movement. Despite their failures, the increased visibility they gained through speaking tours and media attention contributed to the spread of fascist and anti-Semitic ideologies in the United States.
Growing Popularity of Nazi Ideologies in America's Youth: An estimated 72,100 to 100,000 American children attended Nazi summer camps each year, where they were indoctrinated with Nazi ideologies. The biggest camp, Siegfried, became a hub for Nazi training and operations.
The late 1930s saw a significant increase in fascist sympathies and acceptance in America. This was evident in the growing popularity of the German American Bund and their summer camps, where children were indoctrinated with Nazi ideologies. According to estimates, around 72,100 to 100,000 American children attended these camps each year. The biggest camp, Siegfried, located in New York, became a hub for Nazi training and operations, with streets named after Nazi leaders and frequent visits from German guests. This period marks a concerning chapter in American history, highlighting the potential for fascist ideologies to take root in the country.
Nazi summer camps and organizations in America during the 1930s: Despite anti-German sentiment, Nazi groups like the German-American Bund attracted thousands, including children, offering a friendly exterior but harboring an armed wing. Their influence persisted even after WWII, highlighting complex American attitudes and the power of propaganda.
During the 1930s in America, there existed Nazi summer camps and organizations, such as the German-American Bund, which attracted thousands of members, including children. Some members, like Charles Bukowski, were first-generation German immigrants who felt alienated and contrarian towards the anti-German sentiment of the time. The Bund maintained a friendly exterior but had an armed wing, the OD, which functioned like a militia and offered economic opportunities for young men. The Bund's influence continued even after the outbreak of World War II, with some communities enforcing racial qualifications for homeowners. This history sheds light on the complexities of American attitudes towards Germany and the Nazi regime during this period. It also serves as a reminder of the power of propaganda and the potential for marginalized groups to be drawn into extremist movements.
Fascist movements thrive in uncertain and chaotic environments: During times of fear and confusion, fascist movements can gain traction, with some individuals taking advantage of the situation for their own gain
The rise of fascist movements, such as the German American Bund during the 1930s, cannot be attributed solely to inherent hatred or monstrous behavior. Instead, they thrive in uncertain and chaotic environments where people are seeking answers and are desperate for direction. Fear and confusion play significant roles in their growth. For instance, the Bund gained traction during the Great Depression when capitalism seemed to be failing, and people were looking for alternatives. However, not all supporters were genuine fascists. Some, like John Metcalfe, were undercover reporters who exposed the organization's criminal activities and provided valuable information to the government. Despite Hitler's interest in promoting fascism in America, it seemed to be doing well without his help, as evidenced by the Silver Shirts' recruitment drive and their emphasis on opposing communism rather than Jews. Ultimately, the environment of fear and uncertainty created the perfect breeding ground for these movements, and some individuals took advantage of the situation for their own gain.
Fascist groups in America during the 1930s: Despite using anti-government and anti-Jewish rhetoric, American fascist groups like the Silver Shirts, Christian Front, and John Winrod failed to gain significant power or influence due to their contradictory actions and opposition from the Republican Party.
During the 1930s in America, there were various fascist groups, such as the Silver Shirts and the Christian Front, who used rhetoric against Jews and the government, but their actions contradicted their words. For instance, Pelle, the leader of the Silver Shirts, traveled with a large bodyguard and openly defied law enforcement. John Winrod, another fascist figure, attempted to enter politics and spread anti-Semitic and anti-Roosevelt messages through radio broadcasts and speeches. The Christian Front, founded by Father Coughlin, encouraged members to arm themselves and fight against communism, often targeting Jews in the process. These groups aimed to capitalize on the economic and political uncertainties of the time, but their efforts were largely opposed by the Republican Party, which recognized the danger of fascism and conservatism being conflated. Despite the efforts of these groups, they did not gain significant power or influence in American politics. It's a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and opposing hate speech and extremist groups, even when they try to disguise their intentions.
Largest display of fascist ideology in America: German American Bund rally in Madison Square Garden: In 1939, the German American Bund held a rally in Madison Square Garden, attracting 20,000 Nazis and 100,000 counter-protesters. The event featured a violent turn when a Jewish protester was beaten and stripped naked on stage. Despite this, fascist ideologies continued to spread, as seen in the rise of Charles Lindbergh.
The rally organized by Fritz Kuhn and the German American Bund in Madison Square Garden, New York, in 1939, was a significant display of fascist ideology in America. With an estimated attendance of 20,000 Nazis and nearly 100,000 counter-protesters, the event was the largest show of force by the NYPD in its history. The rally featured a Nazified pledge of allegiance, a marching band, and a giant painting of George Washington that eerily resembled a BioShock game character. The event took a violent turn when a Jewish American protester was beaten and stripped naked on stage. Despite this being the high watermark for the German American Bund, fascist ideologies continued to gain ground in America, as evidenced by the rise of Charles Lindbergh. The chilling footage from this event is documented in the short film "A Night at the Garden," which is a stark reminder of the dangers of hate and intolerance.
Fascist Tendencies in Current Politics: Scholars warn of potential fascist tendencies in current political figures and events, emphasizing suppression of democracy, obsession with money and power, and divisive rhetoric. Failure to engage in meaningful dialogue could lead to dire consequences.
There is growing concern among scholars of history regarding the potential for fascist tendencies in current political figures and events. This is not a new comparison, but it is one that is being made more frequently and more seriously by those who have dedicated their lives to studying this period in history. The dismissal of these comparisons by self-proclaimed intellectuals and thought leaders is particularly concerning, as these individuals have the platform and influence to shape public discourse. The parallels being drawn include suppression of democracy, obsession with money and power, and the use of divisive rhetoric. It is important to remember that we are not yet in the second half of this story, where the killing and atrocities take place. The failure to engage in meaningful dialogue about these issues could have dire consequences. If you're interested in learning more about this topic, check out the books and scholars mentioned in the discussion, and tune in for more on this topic in upcoming episodes.
Engage in community events, entertainment, and activism: Connect with your community through events, entertainment, and social activism. Support organizations like Lambda Legal in their fight against discriminatory bills.
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