Trading with the Enemy

Trading with the Enemy exposes business dealings between American corporations and Nazi Germany during World War II. Through extensive research and documentation, author Charles Higham reveals connections between major U.S. companies and the Third Reich that continued after America's entry into the war. The book examines specific cases of industrial and financial collaboration, tracking the money trail through banks, holding companies, and complex international arrangements. Higham's investigation draws from declassified government documents, corporate records, and interviews to establish a timeline of these commercial relationships. The narrative moves between boardrooms, government offices, and international business operations to piece together how these transactions occurred despite wartime restrictions. Key figures from American business and political circles feature prominently as Higham traces their roles and decisions. This work raises fundamental questions about corporate accountability, patriotism, and the relationship between profit and national interests during times of war. The revelations within force readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the intersection of commerce and conflict.

Readers emphasize the book's detailed documentation of American corporations' business dealings with Nazi Germany, backed by extensive research and primary sources. Many note it opened their eyes to corporate complicity during WWII. Liked: - Clear presentation of complex financial transactions - Extensive citations and source material - Reveals previously unknown connections between US firms and Nazi Germany - Names specific executives and companies involved Disliked: - Dense writing style with complex financial terminology - Some sections become repetitive - A few readers question if certain conclusions overreach the evidence - Limited coverage of post-war consequences Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (298 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) One reader stated: "Documents corporate collaboration that most history books gloss over." Another noted: "Heavy on banking details but the evidence is irrefutable." Several reviewers mentioned the book pairs well with other WWII corporate history texts, particularly Edwin Black's "IBM and the Holocaust."

Wall Street and the Rise of Hitler by Antony C. Sutton Documents the financial connections between American banks and Nazi Germany through archival evidence and banking records.

IBM and the Holocaust by Edwin Black Shows how IBM's technology and business operations assisted Nazi Germany in organizing the Holocaust through punch card systems and data processing.

The Devil's Chessboard by David Talbot Reveals CIA director Allen Dulles's connections to Nazi Germany and his role in protecting German intelligence assets after World War II.

The Arms of Krupp by William Manchester Chronicles the Krupp industrial dynasty's collaboration with both American business interests and the Nazi regime through four centuries of weapons manufacturing.

Brothers in Arms by Charles Higham Exposes the business relationships between the British Royal family and Nazi Germany through banking transactions and diplomatic communications.

🔹 Charles Higham uncovered evidence that prominent American companies, including Ford and General Motors, continued to operate factories in Nazi Germany during WWII, providing vehicles and materials for the German war effort. 🔹 The book reveals that Chase Bank in Paris collaborated with Nazi Germany by seizing Jewish assets and accounts, even after Pearl Harbor and America's entry into the war. 🔹 Author Charles Higham spent years accessing previously classified government documents through the Freedom of Information Act to compile evidence for this exposé. 🔹 The Standard Oil Company (now Exxon) is documented in the book as having provided fuel to Nazi Germany via neutral countries, even after the U.S. officially entered WWII. 🔹 The book's revelations contributed to the passage of the Trading with the Enemy Act Reform legislation in 1977, which strengthened restrictions on American business dealings with hostile nations.