Part One: How The John Birch Society Invented The Modern Far Right
Dec 15, 2020
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Jordan Holmes and Dan Friesen from Knowledge Fight join to discuss the John Birch Society's origins and far-right influence. They explore the society's controversial beginnings, its impact on prominent figures, and propagation of conspiracy theories. The podcast also delves into the founder's vision, organizational tactics, and deceptive strategies, shedding light on the society's growth amidst public skepticism.
The John Birch Society used extreme anti-communist rhetoric to attract thousands of members.
Founder Robert Welch accused President Eisenhower of being a communist, aiming to impeach Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren.
John Birch had his ideologies shaped by his missionary upbringing, educational experiences, and evolving racial perceptions.
Deep dives
Bob Welch's Discontent with Political Landscape
In 1950, Bob Welch ran for Lieutenant Governor, positioning himself against socialism and taxation for public benefit like highways, branding Truman a communist. His loss led to his conviction that party politics were hopeless against communism.
Ike's Triumph Over Taft and Welch's Discontent
Taft was defeated in his bid to be Eisenhower's delegate. Welch spearheaded an 'unequal delegate count' accusation that wasn't accepted, leading to Taft supporters' bitterness. Despite Eisenhower's win, Welch believed in being cheated out of the nomination.
John Birch: The Beginnings of a Missionary in China
Born in India in 1918 to American missionary parents, John Birch became a religious fundamentalist. He excelled academically and had a resolve for his beliefs, though later seeing manipulation in an ideological battle at university. His venture to China as an evangelist highlighted his linguistic skills in Mandarin and an evolving appreciation for the culture, recognizing and working to overcome his racial prejudice.
Robert Welch's Extreme Views
Robert Welch, the founder of the John Birch Society, held extreme views about President Eisenhower, accusing him of being a communist and aiming to impeach Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren. Welch's conspiracy theories and anti-communist sentiments led to the Society garnering attention with its radical beliefs.
Welch's Secret Work Exposed
One of the Society's inner workings, a document titled 'The Politician,' accused Eisenhower of treason and labeled him a communist. Investigative journalist Jack Mabley obtained a copy of this document, revealing Welch's inflammatory statements about Eisenhower. The controversy surrounding Welch's claims influenced public perception of the John Birch Society.
The Rise of the John Birch Society
Despite the backlash, the John Birch Society continued to grow, attracting thousands of members with Welch's anti-communist rhetoric. By the mid-1960s, the Society reached 95,000 members, aiming for a million. Welch's divisive beliefs and recruitment efforts led to a surge in membership, portraying the US government as compromised by communism.
