The podcast discusses the surprising support of influential figures for Nazi war criminals, clashes over prosecuting them, and the rise of Senator Joseph McCarthy. It also explores the controversial America First Committee, Charles Lindbergh's views on WWII, and the backing of defeated Nazis in America. The investigation into the Malmene massacre and McCarthy's disruptive tactics in Senate hearings add drama to the narrative.
Prominent figures on the American right sympathized with Nazi war criminals post-World War II, aiming to distort facts and exonerate them.
Senator Joseph McCarthy aligned with pro-Nazi sentiments by promoting false claims of Nazi torture to defend SS officers.
Deep dives
Chicago Tribune's Controversial Stance Post-Nuremberg Verdicts
The Chicago Tribune, under the leadership of Robert R. McCormick, showcased a staunchly right-leaning editorial stance during the 1930s and 1940s. The Tribune controversially depicted convicted Nazi war criminals as martyrs on its front page post the Nuremberg verdicts. McCormick's editorial decisions, such as praising Mussolini and supporting America First Committee, indicated a strong pro-Nazi and anti-war crimes trial sentiment.
Criticism and Defense Against Prosecuting Nazis Post-WWII
Key figures like Senator Robert Taft and the Chicago Tribune vocally criticized the Nuremberg war crimes trials, labeling the prosecution as unjust vengeance. Republican Congressman Claire Hoffman and Senator Taft, both America First Committee members, rallied against trying Nazi leaders, arguing against a fair Anglo-Saxon legal approach. Their anti-prosecution stance aimed to provide sympathy and defense for the defeated Nazis.
Efforts to Vindicate Fascist Figures Post-War
Post-World War II, influential entities like Regnery Publishing and prominent individuals initiated campaigns to absolve Nazi atrocities. Henry Regnery's publications aimed to portray the Nazis as unfairly treated and equivalent to other wartime perpetrators. Similarly, efforts led by political figures like Senator Bill Langer and Senator Joseph McCarthy sought to distort facts and exonerate Nazi war criminals, resonating with the pre-war America First ideology.
McCarthy's Involvement in Falsified Claims
Senator Joseph McCarthy's involvement in promoting false claims of Nazi torture post-World War II underscores his alignment with pro-Nazi sentiments. McCarthy amplified debunked torture allegations during the Malmady trial, aiming to cast American investigators as brutal oppressors and defend SS officers. McCarthy's theatrical hearings disruption and amplification of baseless Nazi propaganda highlight his early political tactics rooted in aligning with extremist right-wing ideologies.
Elements of the American ultra right -- including the trailing ends of the America First movement -- begin taking up a strange new cause after the war... sympathy for Nazi war criminals. The surprising efforts to oppose the Nazi war crimes trials, and advocate for individual Nazis at home and abroad, will involve some of the most high-profile voices on the American right, and will jumpstart the career of one rising Republican star, Sen. Joseph McCarthy.
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