key term - American Bund

Definition

The American Bund was a pro-German organization established in the United States during the 1930s, which aimed to promote Nazi ideology and foster support for the German government among Americans. It was a nationalist group that sought to unite German-Americans and promote their interests while endorsing the principles of fascism, ultimately contributing to the broader context of interwar foreign policy as tensions rose between the U.S. and Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Bund was established in 1936 and grew significantly in membership, reaching tens of thousands by the late 1930s, particularly among German-Americans.
2. One of the most notable events organized by the American Bund was a rally at Madison Square Garden in 1939, which drew thousands of attendees and showcased pro-Nazi sentiment.
3. The group faced significant opposition from various organizations, including Jewish groups and anti-fascist activists, who were alarmed by its promotion of Nazi ideology.
4. Despite its growth, the American Bund began to decline after World War II started in 1939, as public opinion turned against Nazi sympathizers in the U.S.
5. The American Bund’s activities raised concerns about espionage and sabotage within the U.S., leading to increased scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.

Review Questions

• How did the American Bund reflect the sentiments of German-Americans during the interwar period?
  • The American Bund reflected the sentiments of many German-Americans who felt a connection to their homeland and were influenced by rising nationalism in Germany. The organization provided a platform for these individuals to express their cultural heritage while also promoting pro-Nazi ideologies. As tensions grew in Europe, the Bund capitalized on feelings of disenfranchisement among some German-Americans, fostering a sense of community through its rallies and events.
• What role did the American Bund play in shaping public perception of fascism in the United States during the interwar years?
  • The American Bund played a controversial role in shaping public perception of fascism by normalizing certain aspects of Nazi ideology within specific segments of American society. While it attracted members who supported its goals, it also sparked significant backlash from groups opposed to fascism, especially Jewish organizations. This dynamic highlighted the divide in American attitudes towards foreign ideologies and influenced debates about isolationism versus interventionism as tensions escalated leading into World War II.
• Evaluate the impact of organizations like the American Bund on U.S. foreign policy decisions leading up to World War II.
  • Organizations like the American Bund significantly impacted U.S. foreign policy decisions leading up to World War II by exposing underlying divisions within American society regarding nationalism and global engagement. As pro-Nazi sentiments began to surface among some groups, this complicated the U.S. stance on interventionism versus isolationism. Lawmakers faced pressure to address concerns over domestic security and foreign influence, ultimately contributing to a more cautious approach as international tensions escalated. The existence of such organizations underscored the need for vigilance against extremist ideologies that could undermine democratic values at home.

Related terms

Nazi Party: The National Socialist German Workers' Party, led by Adolf Hitler, that established a totalitarian regime in Germany and promoted extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, and militarism.

Isolationism:

A foreign policy stance adopted by the United States during the interwar period, characterized by a reluctance to engage in European conflicts and a focus on domestic affairs.

Bund deutscher Arbeiter: The original name for the American Bund, which translates to 'League of German Workers,' emphasizing its focus on uniting German-American workers under a nationalist banner.