The German-American Bund: A Study in Pro-Nazi and Anti-Semitic Activity in NYC during WWII

During World War II, a significant amount of anti-Semitic activity took place in New York City, led by the German-American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization. The Bund was known for its public rallies, which often featured Nazi salutes, swastikas, and racist propaganda. One such rally, held at Madison Square Garden in February 1939, drew over 22,000 attendees who carried signs with messages like 'Wake up America! Smash Jewish Communism' and 'Stop Jewish Domination of Christian Americans.'

The event was marked by the presence of Nazi imagery and rhetoric, as well as patriotic symbols. The Bund's leader, Fritz Kuhn, described the rally as a 'mass demonstration for true Americanization,' blurring the lines between patriotism and Nazism. The rally was widely covered in the press, including The New York Times, which reported on the event's anti-Semitic tone.

The Bund's popularity peaked in 1939, but its influence soon began to wane. False claims that Kuhn had received orders directly from Adolf Hitler were made public, leading many to question the organization's legitimacy. During a congressional hearing, the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) concluded that the Bund was not a threat to American security and that its activities fell under the protection of the First Amendment.

The HUAC investigation also highlighted the Bund's connections to pro-Nazi organizations and individuals in the United States. The committee's findings were met with widespread criticism, with many accusing it of being anti-American. Despite this, the Bund continued to operate until its eventual decline in popularity.

In conclusion, the German-American Bund was a significant example of pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic activity in New York City during World War II. Its rallies and propaganda efforts served as a platform for racist ideology and Nazi rhetoric, which ultimately contributed to its downfall. The incident highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing hate groups, even in times of war.

Nyc wwii nytimes books