Uncovering the Rise of Ultra Right Beliefs in America: A Cautionary Tale

History Cold War History

Rachel Maddow's book sheds light on the often overlooked history of ultra right beliefs in the US before World War II, serving as a cautionary tale about threats to democracy. The book reveals shocking events such as the Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden and fabricated plots against prominent Jews affiliated with the Roosevelt administration.

Rise of Ultra Right Beliefs

⚠️Rachel Maddow's book examines the rarely discussed part of American history - the rise of ultra right beliefs in the US before World War II.

⚠️20,000 Americans gathered for a Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden in 1939.

⚠️General claimed to a congressional committee that a fabricated plot involving prominent Jews affiliated with the Roosevelt administration was being hatched at the Harmony Club.

⚠️The conspiracy theory aimed to turn Americans against Jews, similar to Hitler's tactics.

⚠️President Truman faced criticism for hiding evidence of Congress's involvement with the Nazis.

The Astor Legacy

⚜️John Jacob Astor's fur trading company was the largest enterprise in the United States by 1834.

⚜️Astor's business practices were ruthless, including exploiting traders and screwing over indigenous populations.

⚜️Brooke Aster was a prominent figure in New York society, while Gloria Vanderbilt came from a wealthy family that Brooke would have wanted to befriend.

⚜️Caroline Aster controlled New York's social register, but Alva Vanderbilt found a way to break into it by throwing an extravagant party.

⚜️The speaker reflects on the experience and acknowledges that Mrs. Aster may have been having a bad day.

FAQ

What is the main focus of Rachel Maddow's book?

The book focuses on the rise of ultra right beliefs in the US before World War II and serves as a cautionary tale about threats to democracy.

What shocking event is revealed in the book?

The book reveals the gathering of 20,000 Americans for a Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden in 1939.

What criticism did President Truman face?

President Truman faced criticism for hiding evidence of Congress's involvement with the Nazis.

What was the Astor legacy known for?

The Astor legacy was known for ruthless business practices and its prominent figures in New York society.

How did Alva Vanderbilt break into New York's social register?

Alva Vanderbilt found a way to break into New York's social register by throwing an extravagant party.

Summary with Timestamps

📚 0:32Rachel Maddow explores the rise of ultr right beliefs in the United States before World War II and its relevance today.

🔍 4:33A congressional committee was informed of a fabricated plot involving prominent Jews affiliated with the Roosevelt administration, aimed at turning Americans against Jews similar to Hitler's tactics.

🔍 8:58President Truman hid evidence of the complicity of members of Congress with the Nazis, leading to criticism and backlash.

📚 12:47John Jacob Astor made his fortune in the brutal beaver fur trade and became a ruthless business tycoon.

📚 16:53The tension between Brooke Aster and Gloria Vanderbilt stemmed from their different paths in New York society.

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