Episode 4: Spectacle

Episode 4: Spectacle

Update: 2024-07-0824
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Digest

This episode of Ultra delves into the post-World War II activities of the America First Movement, a group that had opposed American involvement in the war against Nazi Germany. The episode focuses on their efforts to defend Nazi war criminals, particularly the Chicago Tribune's campaign to free William Dudley-Pelley, a fascist leader convicted of plotting to overthrow the US government. The episode also examines Senator Joe McCarthy's early career, highlighting his involvement in the Malmedy Massacre controversy, where he amplified false claims of torture against American soldiers by Nazi defendants. McCarthy's actions, fueled by pro-Nazi propaganda and a desire for national attention, ultimately led to a Senate investigation that debunked the torture allegations. The episode reveals how McCarthy's early involvement in this controversy foreshadowed his later rise to prominence as a vocal anti-communist figure.

Outlines

00:00:00
The Chicago Tribune's Defense of Nazi War Criminals

This Chapter explores the Chicago Tribune's post-war campaign to defend Nazi war criminals, highlighting their efforts to secure parole for William Dudley-Pelley, a fascist leader convicted of plotting to overthrow the US government. The chapter details the Tribune's editorial stance, their publication of letters portraying Pelley as a political prisoner, and their influence on Republican members of Congress who advocated for his release.

00:18:12
Joe McCarthy's Early Career and the Malmedy Massacre

This Chapter introduces Senator Joseph McCarthy, a young and ambitious Republican senator from Wisconsin, and his involvement in the Malmedy Massacre controversy. The chapter details how McCarthy, seeking to gain national attention and curry favor with right-wing publications like the Chicago Tribune, amplified false claims of torture against American soldiers by Nazi defendants. McCarthy's actions, fueled by pro-Nazi propaganda and a desire for political gain, ultimately led to a Senate investigation that debunked the torture allegations.

00:28:38
The Senate Investigation of the Malmedy Massacre

This Chapter examines the Senate investigation into the Malmedy Massacre, a notorious crime against American soldiers during World War II. The chapter details how the investigation, initially intended to be a thorough and impartial inquiry, was hijacked by Senator Joe McCarthy, who used the hearings to spread pro-Nazi propaganda and undermine the investigation's credibility. The chapter highlights the efforts of Senator Lester Hunt, a freshman senator who was disgusted by McCarthy's tactics and ultimately exposed the truth behind the false torture claims.

Keywords

America First Committee


The America First Committee was a non-interventionist organization in the United States during the 1930s and early 1940s that opposed American involvement in World War II. Led by aviator Charles Lindbergh, the committee argued that the United States should remain neutral and avoid entering the war. They believed that American involvement would be detrimental to the country's interests and that the war was not a threat to the United States. The America First Committee was highly influential, attracting support from prominent figures in politics, business, and the media. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the committee disbanded, and many of its members, including Lindbergh, faced criticism for their pre-war stance. The America First Committee's legacy remains a subject of debate, with some historians arguing that it was a legitimate expression of isolationist sentiment, while others view it as a dangerous movement that sympathized with Nazi Germany.

William Dudley-Pelley


William Dudley-Pelley was an American fascist leader and founder of the Silver Shirts, an anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi armed militia that operated in the United States during the 1930s. Pelley was a vocal advocate for Nazism and openly expressed his admiration for Adolf Hitler. He believed in the superiority of the Aryan race and promoted anti-Semitic and anti-communist ideologies. Pelley's Silver Shirts engaged in various activities, including rallies, parades, and the distribution of propaganda. They were known for their paramilitary style and their use of violence to intimidate opponents. Pelley's activities attracted the attention of the FBI, and he was eventually arrested and convicted of sedition for his efforts to overthrow the US government. He spent most of World War II in prison, but after the war, he was released on parole, thanks in part to the efforts of the Chicago Tribune and other members of the America First Movement.

Malmedy Massacre


The Malmedy Massacre was a war crime committed by Nazi soldiers against unarmed American prisoners of war on December 17, 1944, near the Belgian town of Malmedy. The massacre involved the execution of over 80 American soldiers, who were captured and then shot at close range. The Malmedy Massacre was one of the most notorious crimes against American soldiers during World War II and became a symbol of Nazi brutality. After the war, the perpetrators were put on trial and convicted of war crimes. However, the case was later used by pro-Nazi elements, including Senator Joe McCarthy, to spread false claims of torture against American soldiers, attempting to undermine the war crimes trials and discredit the Allies.

Senator Joe McCarthy


Joseph Raymond McCarthy was a Republican senator from Wisconsin who gained notoriety in the 1950s for his anti-communist crusade. McCarthy's career was marked by his use of fear-mongering tactics and unsubstantiated accusations of communist infiltration in the US government. He held highly publicized hearings, often accusing individuals without evidence, and his actions led to a period of intense political repression known as McCarthyism. McCarthy's tactics were widely condemned, and he was eventually censured by the Senate for his conduct. Despite his controversial legacy, McCarthy's impact on American politics and culture was significant, as his tactics and rhetoric continue to influence political discourse today.

Chicago Tribune


The Chicago Tribune is a major daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1847, the Tribune has a long and influential history, playing a significant role in shaping public opinion and political discourse in the United States. The paper has been known for its conservative editorial stance and its support for Republican candidates. During the 20th century, the Tribune was owned by the McCormick family, who used the paper to promote their own political agenda. The Tribune's editorial policies have been the subject of controversy, particularly during the Cold War era, when it was accused of promoting anti-communist propaganda and supporting right-wing causes. The Tribune remains a prominent voice in American journalism, although its influence has declined in recent years.

Senator Lester Hunt


Lester C. Hunt was a Democratic senator from Wyoming who served in the US Senate from 1949 to 1954. Hunt was a respected figure in the Senate, known for his integrity and his commitment to public service. He was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and played a key role in the investigation of the Malmedy Massacre. Hunt was disgusted by Senator Joe McCarthy's tactics during the investigation and publicly accused him of lying and spreading pro-Nazi propaganda. Hunt's courage in standing up to McCarthy, despite the political risks involved, made him a symbol of resistance against McCarthyism. Hunt's legacy is one of integrity and principled opposition to political extremism.

Nuremberg Trials


The Nuremberg Trials were a series of military tribunals held by the Allied powers after World War II to prosecute Nazi leaders for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes against peace. The trials took place in Nuremberg, Germany, from 1945 to 1949. The Nuremberg Trials were a landmark event in international law, establishing the principle of individual criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The trials were also significant for their role in exposing the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime and holding its leaders accountable for their actions. The Nuremberg Trials remain a symbol of justice and accountability for war crimes and continue to influence international law and human rights today.

Q&A

  • What was the America First Committee, and what role did it play in the events leading up to World War II?

    The America First Committee was a non-interventionist organization in the United States that opposed American involvement in World War II. They argued that the war was not a threat to the United States and that American involvement would be detrimental to the country's interests. The committee was highly influential, attracting support from prominent figures in politics, business, and the media. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the committee disbanded, and many of its members faced criticism for their pre-war stance.

  • Who was William Dudley-Pelley, and why did the Chicago Tribune campaign for his release from prison?

    William Dudley-Pelley was an American fascist leader and founder of the Silver Shirts, an anti-Semitic, pro-Nazi armed militia that operated in the United States during the 1930s. Pelley was a vocal advocate for Nazism and openly expressed his admiration for Adolf Hitler. He was convicted of sedition for his efforts to overthrow the US government and spent most of World War II in prison. After the war, the Chicago Tribune, along with other members of the America First Movement, campaigned for his release, portraying him as a political prisoner and arguing that he was being unfairly persecuted.

  • What was the Malmedy Massacre, and how did Senator Joe McCarthy become involved in the controversy?

    The Malmedy Massacre was a war crime committed by Nazi soldiers against unarmed American prisoners of war in December 1944. After the war, the perpetrators were put on trial and convicted. However, pro-Nazi elements, including Senator Joe McCarthy, spread false claims of torture against American soldiers, attempting to undermine the war crimes trials and discredit the Allies. McCarthy, seeking to gain national attention and curry favor with right-wing publications, amplified these false claims, ultimately leading to a Senate investigation that debunked the torture allegations.

  • What were the findings of the Senate investigation into the Malmedy Massacre, and how did McCarthy's actions impact the investigation?

    The Senate investigation, despite McCarthy's attempts to derail it, concluded that the torture claims were baseless. The investigation, which involved interviewing over 100 witnesses and reviewing medical records, found no evidence to support the allegations. McCarthy's actions, however, had a significant impact on the investigation, as he used the hearings to spread pro-Nazi propaganda and undermine the credibility of the investigation. His actions also highlighted his willingness to exploit political controversies for personal gain.

Show Notes

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.

Comments (2)

Debbie Gordon

, , z

Jul 10th
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PJ

Easter egg for those who stick it out?

Jul 10th
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Episode 4: Spectacle

Episode 4: Spectacle

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