Stuff They Don't Want You To Know Leon G. Turrou: The Nazi Hunter
Aug 14, 2024
Leon G. Turrou, a central figure in U.S. counter-espionage efforts against Nazis, shares his gripping journey through a complex web of conspiracy. He discusses the early Nazi infiltration of the U.S. government and the countermeasures taken against them. The conversation dives into the historical roots of extremist ideologies, the controversial implications of labeling individuals as Nazis today, and the cultural significance of films like 'Confessions of a Nazi Spy.' Turrou's own espionage trials reveal the moral dilemmas faced during this turbulent era.
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Hitler's Rise in the DAP
- Hitler impressed the German Workers' Party (DAP) with his passionate arguments against an economics professor.
- He was invited to join after his first meeting, eventually rising to power within the party.
Context for Extremism
- Germany's hyperinflation in 1923 and high unemployment in 1931 created fertile ground for extremist ideologies.
- This context allowed figures like Hitler to gain traction by promising solutions and order.
Wheelbarrow Economy
- During Germany's hyperinflation, people used wheelbarrows of cash to buy goods, racing against devaluation.
- This desperation made people susceptible to fascist ideologies promising stability.