Hitler's American Friends

Hitler's American Friends examines the network of American Nazi sympathizers and pro-German organizations active in the United States during the 1930s and early 1940s. Bradley W. Hart documents the activities of prominent figures and groups who worked to promote Nazi ideology and prevent U.S. intervention in World War II. The book covers major movements like the German American Bund, the Silver Legion, and the America First Committee, along with their leaders and supporters. Hart draws on FBI files, congressional testimony, and archival materials to reveal connections between these organizations and their methods of spreading propaganda. The narrative follows key historical events from Hitler's rise to power through Pearl Harbor, showing how these American organizations responded to developments in Germany and Europe. The text examines the complex relationships between American business interests, political figures, and Nazi Germany during this period. This history provides insights into how antidemocratic movements can gain footholds in democratic societies, and raises questions about nationalism, prejudice and isolationism that remain relevant today.

Readers find the book presents lesser-known information about American pro-Nazi movements and figures from the 1930s-40s. Many note it fills gaps in their historical knowledge, particularly about the German American Bund and isolationist politicians. Readers appreciate: - Clear organization by different pro-Nazi groups/movements - Well-researched with extensive citations - Connections to modern politics without overreaching Common criticisms: - Writing can be dry and academic - Some sections feel repetitive - Limited coverage of certain groups like the Silver Legion Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (224 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (168 ratings) Sample reader comment: "Eye-opening research into forgotten American history, though the academic tone makes some chapters a slog" - Goodreads reviewer Several readers note the relevance to current events, with one Amazon reviewer stating "Shows how easily extremist movements can gain mainstream acceptance if left unchecked."

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🔹 Though politicians like Burton Wheeler and Hamilton Fish opposed entering WWII, several of them later reversed their stance after Pearl Harbor and ended up supporting the war effort they had previously fought against. 🔹 The German American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization, hosted a massive rally at Madison Square Garden in 1939 that drew 20,000 attendees and featured a 30-foot portrait of George Washington flanked by swastikas. 🔹 Author Bradley W. Hart discovered that the FBI had been monitoring pro-Nazi groups in America years before the U.S. entered WWII, accumulating over 2,000 pages of surveillance documents on the German American Bund alone. 🔹 Henry Ford received the Grand Cross of the German Eagle from Nazi Germany in 1938, the highest honor Nazi Germany could give to a foreigner, due to his anti-Semitic publications and support of Nazi ideals. 🔹 The book reveals how Charles Lindbergh, while advocating for American neutrality, had secretly accepted a medal from Hermann Göring and reported back to the U.S. military about German air capabilities, effectively acting as an unofficial spy.