The phrase “America First” evokes a strong resonance in American history, both positively and negatively. Its roots stretch back to various historical movements. The most notable is the America First Committee (AFC), which emerged in the late 1930s and early 1940s. This movement is steeped in isolationist sentiment. It has a complex association with Adolf Hitler. It is also linked to the geopolitical tensions of pre-World War II.
The Emergence of America First
People formally established the America First Committee in 1940, initially advocating against U.S. involvement in the brewing European conflict. The Great Depression had depleted American resources. The grim aftermath of World War I led many to view foreign war participation as a mistake. America First rallied against intervention, prioritizing domestic welfare over international entanglements.
Key Figures and Ideologies
Prominent figures joined the ranks of the AFC, including businessmen, academics, and even future politicians. Charles Lindbergh, the famed aviator, became one of the most visible faces of the movement. He delivered speeches emphasizing the need for neutrality and warning of the destructive potential of getting embroiled in European conflicts.
However, the movement had undertones that are more controversial, including anti-Semitic leanings, particularly from some of its members. Lindbergh himself faced criticism for remarks that suggested Jewish groups were pushing for war. These elements complicated the public perception of the movement, making its legacy questionable.
Adolf Hitler’s Germany and Isolationists
During the time of the AFC’s rise, Adolf Hitler was consolidating power in Germany. He was spreading his ideologies of fascism and racial supremacy. The AFC explicitly rejected any alliance with Hitler. Nevertheless, its staunch opposition to intervening against Axis powers inadvertently played into Hitler’s hands. Non-interventionist policies in the U.S. provided Germany leeway to expand its aggression across Europe.
It’s important to note that there was no direct collaboration between the America First Committee and Hitler’s regime. Yet, critics accused the AFC of enabling fascism by promoting isolationism and neglecting the global threat posed by Nazi Germany. Some fringe supporters of America First even expressed admiration for Hitler’s “strong leadership,” further tarnishing its image.
The Decline of the America First Movement
Everything changed after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Public opinion swiftly shifted, and the U.S. entered World War II. The America First Committee disbanded shortly after the attack, as its non-intervention stance became untenable considering the Axis powers’ aggression.
Legacy and Reflections
The term “America First” later resurfaced in American political discourse, often detached from its original isolationist roots. However, understanding its historical context requires grappling with its connection to controversial ideologies and attitudes of the time.
The connection between the America First movement and Adolf Hitler primarily lives in the broader geopolitical landscape of the 1930s. It extends into the 1940s. The movement was not explicitly pro-Nazi. However, its isolationism indirectly allowed for the unchecked rise of fascist regimes. This includes Hitler’s Germany. The lessons from this era underscore the perils of isolationism and the importance of global cooperation when confronting authoritarian threats.
- Linking to watch later: I LOVE Learning
