Stuff You Should Know Selects: The Time Nazis Invaded Florida
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Mar 11, 2023 Discover the quirky tale of inept Nazi saboteurs who infiltrated the U.S. during World War II, with their comically poor training and absurd missions. Hear about Operation Pastorius and the peculiar dynamics of German-American loyalties. Delve into the aftermath as captured spies faced military tribunals amidst public outrage. The podcast blends humor and history, revealing the bizarre realities of espionage while a gripping manhunt unfolds for buried German supplies. It’s a wild ride through deception, surprises, and unintended hilarity in wartime!
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Nazi Saboteurs in America
- Nazi saboteurs landed in America during WWII, in New York and Florida.
- Their operations were poorly executed due to the inexperience of the chosen saboteurs.
Hitler's Plan to Destroy New York
- Hitler's aim was to set New York City ablaze, initially focusing on rocket and bomber programs.
- He later opted for sending saboteurs, aiming to cripple key infrastructure and incite terror.
Operation Pastorius and Recruitment
- The Abwehr, German military intelligence's sabotage unit, selected Walter Kap to lead Operation Pastorius.
- Kap, a former US resident, recruited from the Ausland Institute and the Bund, a group of Nazi sympathizers in the US.