The America First Committee was a large movement, led by Charles A. Lindbergh and the antisemitic Father Edward. The movement, which claimed over 800,000 members, was opposed to any kind of involvement in world war two. The movement suffered from constant antisemitism, and many leaders argued the "inferiority of the Jewish race." Charles Lindberg stated in 1941 that Roosevelt had manufactured the incidents leading to US involvement, and said "Their(Jews) greatest danger to this country lies in their large ownership and influence in our motion pictures, our press, our radio, and our government."
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Nazis in America? |
An American Reaction |
In 1933, many Americans were fearful of the rise of Hitler, but many more saw an opportunity. 25% of the American population at that time could trace their ancestry back to Germany, and Nazi sympathisers saw a chance to instill Nazi sympathy in the general populace. The Bund, as they were called, attempted recruitment through summer camps for Hitler Youth, and infiltrating gathering spots for German nationals. Most of this occurred in Wisconsin, where 43% of the population where German.
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At the onset of World War Two, there were tens of thousands of refugees attempting to escape. Once America had joined war, paranoia over Nazi spies caused the tighter immigration restrictions, and a tougher vetting process. Once America became aware of the extent of the extent Holocaust, Roosevelt created the WRB(war refugees board) to help Jewish refugees escape and settle in America. However, intense antisemitism in America pressured the government to make the refugees return once the war was over.
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