Rachel Maddow, host of the Ultra podcast and MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, delves into the unsettling rise of fascism in America during the 1920s and 30s. She explores how Nazism infiltrated U.S. politics, the role of propaganda, and the complex dynamics between democracy and isolationism. The discussion highlights lesser-known heroes who fought against fascist sentiments, including a veteran's covert operations exposing extremist groups, offering vital lessons from history that resonate in today’s political climate.
The rise of fascism in America in the 1920s and 30s involved significant propaganda efforts that undermined democratic ideals and influenced political offices.
Grassroots activism by ordinary citizens was pivotal in resisting the fascist movement, highlighting the crucial role of individual efforts in safeguarding democracy.
Deep dives
The Rise of Fascism in 1930s America
In the 1930s and 1940s, a significant movement within the United States aimed to shift public sentiment towards fascism and away from democracy. High-profile figures like Charles Lindbergh became spokespeople for these pro-fascist sentiments, promoting views that applauded fascist ideologies as a solution to America's political issues. This period saw the rise of influential media figures, such as Father Charles Coughlin, who leveraged radio to reach millions and spread pro-fascist propaganda, even organizing paramilitary groups to further his agenda. Such movements revealed a startling level of admiration for Nazi Germany, with many Americans expressing sympathy for fascist principles, which lingered into the lead-up to World War II.
Propaganda and Political Manipulation
Nazi Germany not only attempted to influence American thought through local sympathizers but also executed sophisticated propaganda campaigns aimed at destabilizing American democracy. This included funding American politicians to disseminate divisive and anti-Semitic messaging, leveraging the franking privilege of Congress to distribute pro-Nazi literature at taxpayer expense. Prominent incidents, such as the infiltration of Congress by Nazi operatives, showcased how effective these foreign propaganda efforts were in undermining democratic ideals. The campaign also hampered resistance efforts, as political leaders aligned with fascist principles created an environment rife with misinformation and scapegoating.
Challenges to Democracy and the Role of the Judiciary
As fascist sentiment grew, the American judiciary faced severe attacks whenever it attempted to intervene or prosecute those involved in sedition. The Great Sedition Trial of 1944 highlighted the complexities and challenges within the justice system, where prosecutors faced political repercussions for taking on powerful figures. This trial illustrated that while free speech and association were constitutional protections, crimes committed under the guise of political ideology tested the limits of these rights. The ultimate failure to hold accountable those who supported fascism not only left many at-large but contributed to a broader disillusionment with democratic institutions.
Grassroots Resistance and Legacy of Anti-Fascism
Despite the overwhelming challenges, individual citizens and grassroots activists played crucial roles in resisting fascist movements in America. Figures like Leon Lewis spearheaded undercover efforts against pro-Nazi groups, recruiting and organizing fellow citizens to infiltrate and report on their activities. Activism from regular citizens and journalists exposed the extent of fascist infiltration, leading to some public accountability as voters ousted many complicit politicians. The legacy of these efforts serves as an important reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting democracy and the impact ordinary citizens can have in the face of authoritarianism.
The rise of fascism in America in the 1920s & 30s looked just like the rise of fascism in Germany at the same time- scapegoating, the dissemination of false information, the attempted erosion of democracy… Dan is joined by Rachel Maddow, host of the chart-topping Ultra podcast and The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC to explore how Nazism infiltrated the highest political offices in the US government, but also the unsung American heroes who risked everything to stop it.
Rachel's latest book is Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism.
Produced by Charlotte Long, Mariana Des Forges and James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore
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