Rosenberg's Reich: The Myth of The Twentieth Century
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F. W. Maranu and The Japenese Invasion of Manchuria
“And in news from the world of the movies, today film director F. W. Murnau has survived an automobile crash. The filmmaker is recovering in the hospital. Murnau has directed such critical darlings as Nosferatu, Faust, and Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. Murnau who still excels in silent film is rumored to be working soon on his first talkie picture.”
– NBC Radio News Bulletin, March 12, 1931
“The 1931 Japanese invasion of Manchuria placed a strain not only upon the Chinese Civil War, the pressing spheres of European influence in the region but also on ambitions of several aligned Japanese secret far-right societies. Planned assassinations against prominent liberal, socialist, and Western-friendly politicians by The Sakuraki and The Ketsumeidan were delayed, as the coup planners waited for a less chaotic time to launch.
“Still, political violence rocked Japan, from the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Osachi Hamaguchi in April 1931 by a fascist radical to a bomb thrown at the Emperor’s carriage by a Korean national; Hirohito barely made it out with his life and remained a minor cripple until his death. In general, the protests against Japanese authoritarianism, cultural supremacism, and racism, by the ethnic Chinese and Koreans throughout East Asia, only motivated the extremely militarized nationalistic sects of Japanese politics that had existed since the 1880s. Proponents of democracy and there were many, were censored or executed at an increasingly alarmist rate.
“Hirohito’s mental state following his lengthy hospitalization is of much debate of scholars. Perhaps had he gone on unscathed he wouldn’t have been so apathetic to the upcoming chaos that was brewing between military factions and the Japanese Empire would’ve had a stronger invasive presence throughout the 1930s…”
-Excerpt from Gingko and Cherry Blossom: Japan in the 20th Century
"Gentlemen, soon we strike. And we will get the West’s attention…” -Statement attributed to Sakurakai leader Kingoro Hashimoto
– NBC Radio News Bulletin, March 12, 1931
“The 1931 Japanese invasion of Manchuria placed a strain not only upon the Chinese Civil War, the pressing spheres of European influence in the region but also on ambitions of several aligned Japanese secret far-right societies. Planned assassinations against prominent liberal, socialist, and Western-friendly politicians by The Sakuraki and The Ketsumeidan were delayed, as the coup planners waited for a less chaotic time to launch.
“Still, political violence rocked Japan, from the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Osachi Hamaguchi in April 1931 by a fascist radical to a bomb thrown at the Emperor’s carriage by a Korean national; Hirohito barely made it out with his life and remained a minor cripple until his death. In general, the protests against Japanese authoritarianism, cultural supremacism, and racism, by the ethnic Chinese and Koreans throughout East Asia, only motivated the extremely militarized nationalistic sects of Japanese politics that had existed since the 1880s. Proponents of democracy and there were many, were censored or executed at an increasingly alarmist rate.
“Hirohito’s mental state following his lengthy hospitalization is of much debate of scholars. Perhaps had he gone on unscathed he wouldn’t have been so apathetic to the upcoming chaos that was brewing between military factions and the Japanese Empire would’ve had a stronger invasive presence throughout the 1930s…”
-Excerpt from Gingko and Cherry Blossom: Japan in the 20th Century
"Gentlemen, soon we strike. And we will get the West’s attention…” -Statement attributed to Sakurakai leader Kingoro Hashimoto
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stirlingdraka
Donor
Interesting update. Will Japan invade China sooner now? Or attack a Western colony?
May 15, 1932
“We have breaking news from Japan now. As America slept a coup, still ongoing, was launched by the Japanese Department of War against Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi. It is currently believed that the Japanese Minister of War, Sadao Araki, is leading the rebellion, with aid from his subordinates, alongside several far-right nationalist groups. Emperor Hirohito has not yet released a statement. News has been slow, and it is not currently clear if anybody has died. We at ABC will be covering the story throughout the day to keep you informed. The Hoover administration is set to give a reaction once further information is known.”
-ABC Radio News Bulletin, May 15, 1932
“The 1932 Japanese coup would have enormous ramifications throughout East Asia for the next decade. Lead by several prominent nationalist figures within the country’s military and their associates, including War Minister Sadao Araki, Vice Minister of War Kuniaki Koiso, Sakurakai Leader and Lieutenant Colonel Kingoro Hashimoto, Captain Isamu Chō, Ketsumeidan leader and Buddhist monk Nisshō Inoue, and political philosopher Shūmei Ōkawa, the coup achieved its upmost goal as several young naval officers succeeded in slaying Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi, alongside his son Takeru Inukai.
“Over the following hours and days, many other politicians and businessmen were successfully targeted. These include Makino Nobuaki, Saitō Makoto, Kijūrō Shidehara. Several members of the Inukai administration went into hiding with their families, fearing for their lives. Of course, no mention of the coup is complete without mention of its most unlikely fatality. Film director and actor Charlie Chaplin had been on holiday in Japan, during which he visited the Prime Minister and his family. After he had returned from viewing a sumo match with Inukai’s son, Takeru, Chaplin was shot alongside him by the young navy officers who had broken in after they returned to the Prime Minister’s house. North American and European countries were stunned to see the death of one of Hollywood’s most famous stars, and it doubtlessly received Japanese politics more press coverage over the coming months. It was later clear through statements by Nisshō Inoue that the coup had deliberately targeted Chaplin, who they knew would be vacationing in Japan at the time, to send a message to the West.” [1]
-Excerpt from Gingko and Cherry Blossom: Japan in the 20th Century
“We are outraged at the purging of Japanese politicians and businessmen by these fanatics. And the death of Mr. Chaplin, no doubt, cuts personally for many Americans. We urge moderating factions in East Asia to end this cycle of violence that has ruined the stability of the region for the past few years.”
-Excerpt from a radio statement by American President Herbert Hoover
"Mr. Chaplin was a Briton through and through, and a spiritual ambassador for every virtue this country represents. His contributions to the arts will be forever remembered, and we throughout the world mourn his loss. And we too mourn the Japanese nationals who were slain as well by their manic brethren. May no further violence occur over this already useless bloodshed.”
-Excerpt from a radio statement by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald
“’ Jazz Singer?’ Mr. Ebert looks at me. ‘No, it was the day they killed Chaplin that silent film died.’”
-Excerpt from Golden Celluloid: The History of Hollywood’s Classics
“As have probably heard by now, ladies and gentlemen, all eyes have been on Japan these past few days. And they shall to be locked on that odd industrial island nation for at least a few days more. One thing that goes through every diplomat to Japan’s mind right now is this question. Who will Hirohito approve of for the next Prime Minister? It is widely believed that these insurgents are placing intense pressure on the Emperor, who is of dubious mental and physical strength following being injured in a bombing earlier this year, to approve one of the murdering mavericks.
For what this all means for East Asia over the coming months and the millions of Japanese, Manchurians, and Koreans, we have no answers. For how the West shall recover after the shocking murder of one of our most beloved comedians in this event, we are unsure. But for all the updates set to come, you can trust ABC news for only high-quality facts. Tomorrow, the story of Japan will be continued…”
-ABC Radio News Bulletin, May 17, 1932
[1] Chaplin was indeed in Japan at the time of the Ketsumeidan backed assassination of Inukai Tsuyoshi that occurred in OTL. Planning shows that the film director had been considered a target in the coup to enrage the West.
-ABC Radio News Bulletin, May 15, 1932
“The 1932 Japanese coup would have enormous ramifications throughout East Asia for the next decade. Lead by several prominent nationalist figures within the country’s military and their associates, including War Minister Sadao Araki, Vice Minister of War Kuniaki Koiso, Sakurakai Leader and Lieutenant Colonel Kingoro Hashimoto, Captain Isamu Chō, Ketsumeidan leader and Buddhist monk Nisshō Inoue, and political philosopher Shūmei Ōkawa, the coup achieved its upmost goal as several young naval officers succeeded in slaying Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi, alongside his son Takeru Inukai.
“Over the following hours and days, many other politicians and businessmen were successfully targeted. These include Makino Nobuaki, Saitō Makoto, Kijūrō Shidehara. Several members of the Inukai administration went into hiding with their families, fearing for their lives. Of course, no mention of the coup is complete without mention of its most unlikely fatality. Film director and actor Charlie Chaplin had been on holiday in Japan, during which he visited the Prime Minister and his family. After he had returned from viewing a sumo match with Inukai’s son, Takeru, Chaplin was shot alongside him by the young navy officers who had broken in after they returned to the Prime Minister’s house. North American and European countries were stunned to see the death of one of Hollywood’s most famous stars, and it doubtlessly received Japanese politics more press coverage over the coming months. It was later clear through statements by Nisshō Inoue that the coup had deliberately targeted Chaplin, who they knew would be vacationing in Japan at the time, to send a message to the West.” [1]
-Excerpt from Gingko and Cherry Blossom: Japan in the 20th Century
“We are outraged at the purging of Japanese politicians and businessmen by these fanatics. And the death of Mr. Chaplin, no doubt, cuts personally for many Americans. We urge moderating factions in East Asia to end this cycle of violence that has ruined the stability of the region for the past few years.”
-Excerpt from a radio statement by American President Herbert Hoover
"Mr. Chaplin was a Briton through and through, and a spiritual ambassador for every virtue this country represents. His contributions to the arts will be forever remembered, and we throughout the world mourn his loss. And we too mourn the Japanese nationals who were slain as well by their manic brethren. May no further violence occur over this already useless bloodshed.”
-Excerpt from a radio statement by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald
“’ Jazz Singer?’ Mr. Ebert looks at me. ‘No, it was the day they killed Chaplin that silent film died.’”
-Excerpt from Golden Celluloid: The History of Hollywood’s Classics
“As have probably heard by now, ladies and gentlemen, all eyes have been on Japan these past few days. And they shall to be locked on that odd industrial island nation for at least a few days more. One thing that goes through every diplomat to Japan’s mind right now is this question. Who will Hirohito approve of for the next Prime Minister? It is widely believed that these insurgents are placing intense pressure on the Emperor, who is of dubious mental and physical strength following being injured in a bombing earlier this year, to approve one of the murdering mavericks.
For what this all means for East Asia over the coming months and the millions of Japanese, Manchurians, and Koreans, we have no answers. For how the West shall recover after the shocking murder of one of our most beloved comedians in this event, we are unsure. But for all the updates set to come, you can trust ABC news for only high-quality facts. Tomorrow, the story of Japan will be continued…”
-ABC Radio News Bulletin, May 17, 1932
[1] Chaplin was indeed in Japan at the time of the Ketsumeidan backed assassination of Inukai Tsuyoshi that occurred in OTL. Planning shows that the film director had been considered a target in the coup to enrage the West.
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Oh boy. I am just aghast. I suppose the probability the USA will go to war with Japan, ostensibly on behalf of China but really for Charlie, just shot up significantly. By which I mean, the many crises over the next nine years OTL might not be finessed as carefully to avoid war. Hell, a total cynic might have advised Hoover the best thing he could do to improve his chances of reelection is to go to war and here the militarists hand him most of an excuse to do so? Hoover won't go to war over just this--but stuff like the Panay incident might be all the excuse FDR asks for!
The Nazis are not as effective as OTL, and Germany is contained. Cynically speaking--why not go to war against Japan? It's not like there is a more important war to keep one's powder dry for!
Meanwhile--if I am to believe Churchill's war memoirs, he held out hope for a restoration of the alliance with Japan Britain had enjoyed for over half a century as late as 1940; it was only the necessity of getting American favor that stood in the way of it, at least until the militarists started rampaging in the 1930s. Killing Charlie Chaplin alienates Americans and Britons at one fell swoop; in a world where Germany is contained the USA and UK might have turned up on opposite sides re Japan...but the assassins took care of that.
The Nazis are not as effective as OTL, and Germany is contained. Cynically speaking--why not go to war against Japan? It's not like there is a more important war to keep one's powder dry for!
Meanwhile--if I am to believe Churchill's war memoirs, he held out hope for a restoration of the alliance with Japan Britain had enjoyed for over half a century as late as 1940; it was only the necessity of getting American favor that stood in the way of it, at least until the militarists started rampaging in the 1930s. Killing Charlie Chaplin alienates Americans and Britons at one fell swoop; in a world where Germany is contained the USA and UK might have turned up on opposite sides re Japan...but the assassins took care of that.
stirlingdraka
Donor
I can`t believe you had Charlie Chaplin killed by Japanese militarists during their successful coup. How soon will Japan be at war?
marathag
Banned
At this point, Germany before the Nazis had very good relations with the KMT, as did the Italians
Not just before the Nazis. As late as 1935 it was still an open question whether Germany would back China or Japan in a war between the two.
And not a few Americans, of the more influential variety especially, didn't think Hitler was so bad either. The ATL Nazis are going to be less of an obvious horror show, and anyway are less scary geopolitically, so while war on Japan in the USA would not enjoy the same base of support that war against Fascism as such, it would enjoy a lot of support, especially from people who were squeamish about fighting fascism as such OTL. White supremacists will have no problem with a war on Japan (though they might find themselves horrified by American fraternization with Asian women). People like Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh (IIRC he's dead in this TL but there remain plenty of people like him) will take the place of the sort of people who joined the Spanish Civil War Abraham Lincoln Brigade I suppose.
FDR would not much enjoy a formal alliance with Rosenberg I suppose--but then again the USA was legally neutral in the Spanish Civil War and in the first couple years of the second Great War too. There's not much to stop Ford and his types from organizing Andrew Jackson Brigades in China, though probably they will choose some less Democratic icon to name them.
FDR would not much enjoy a formal alliance with Rosenberg I suppose--but then again the USA was legally neutral in the Spanish Civil War and in the first couple years of the second Great War too. There's not much to stop Ford and his types from organizing Andrew Jackson Brigades in China, though probably they will choose some less Democratic icon to name them.
The (Japanese) Emporer Wears No Clothes
“Hirohito was unwell since the assassination attempt by Korean nationalist Lee Bong-chang in January 1932 wounded him. He now had a permanent limp and required help with stairs and could be sometimes slow to respond to others. He preferred staying indoors as to going outside, and in particular, had taken up reading about marine biology in bed, a topic that had interested him since childhood. Reportedly, he had a personal translator hired to work on writing Japanese editions on as many English books on the subject as possible. It was not an easy life these past few months, and he had been dreading recently the visit War Minister Sadao Araki, a much-beloved man in the army, to see him about. Hirohito knew exactly what Araki was about to ask of him.
“The sharply mustached general entered the room. Their private conversation, the emperor lying in bed to soothe back pains, was respectful but tense. They were currently the two most powerful men in Japan, and both desired to see their country move on from controversial events Araki set in motion. Hirohito was reportedly most unpleased with the assassination of Charlie Chaplin, fearing it hurt his country’s image with Western Powers many felt they needed to aid in their new war with China.
“After around an hour, an agreement had been made, the emperor already familiar with the demands. Araki, the head of the army’s ultranationalist factions, would be the new prime minister, with Hirohito needing to approve the most drastic military decisions the military was to make over the coming years.
“Though as his health continued to deteriorate the generals followed this unofficial rule less and less.”
-Excerpt from Gingko and Cherry Blossom: Japan in the 20th Century
“We do not yield to China! We do not yield to the West! Our motto is sound, our influence with not be curbed! We will be stationed in the future in all eight corners of the world! Our wars are holy, our industry unstoppable, our patriotism unrivaled! We defend our nation from the terrorism of the Chinese, such as their bombing of our railway tracks! We move forward, onward into creating a Japanese millennium in which our offspring will be proud to prosper within!”
-Radio Address by Japanese Prime Minister Sadao Araki
“NO CEASEFIRE STOP” – Telegram sent to Chinese generals, June 1932
“In the years following the 1932 coup, Hirohito’s already questionable influence became increasingly limited as the state began to turn into a military dictatorship. Araki saw himself as a Japanese Napoleon, and for a few years, it looked like he might find success in taking over all of East Asia. However, throughout the 1930s increased military aid from Russia, Germany, and even America to various Chinese troops proved that this war would be a costlier than thought one for Japan, a pariah now with few international friends.”
-Excerpt from Gingko and Cherry Blossom: Japan in the 20th Century
“I do not actively seek war in the Pacific! But there is no denial that we need increased military presence in our territories of the East!”
-Excerpt from a Franklin Roosevelt campaign speech
Japan's new Prime Minister
“The sharply mustached general entered the room. Their private conversation, the emperor lying in bed to soothe back pains, was respectful but tense. They were currently the two most powerful men in Japan, and both desired to see their country move on from controversial events Araki set in motion. Hirohito was reportedly most unpleased with the assassination of Charlie Chaplin, fearing it hurt his country’s image with Western Powers many felt they needed to aid in their new war with China.
“After around an hour, an agreement had been made, the emperor already familiar with the demands. Araki, the head of the army’s ultranationalist factions, would be the new prime minister, with Hirohito needing to approve the most drastic military decisions the military was to make over the coming years.
“Though as his health continued to deteriorate the generals followed this unofficial rule less and less.”
-Excerpt from Gingko and Cherry Blossom: Japan in the 20th Century
“We do not yield to China! We do not yield to the West! Our motto is sound, our influence with not be curbed! We will be stationed in the future in all eight corners of the world! Our wars are holy, our industry unstoppable, our patriotism unrivaled! We defend our nation from the terrorism of the Chinese, such as their bombing of our railway tracks! We move forward, onward into creating a Japanese millennium in which our offspring will be proud to prosper within!”
-Radio Address by Japanese Prime Minister Sadao Araki
“NO CEASEFIRE STOP” – Telegram sent to Chinese generals, June 1932
“In the years following the 1932 coup, Hirohito’s already questionable influence became increasingly limited as the state began to turn into a military dictatorship. Araki saw himself as a Japanese Napoleon, and for a few years, it looked like he might find success in taking over all of East Asia. However, throughout the 1930s increased military aid from Russia, Germany, and even America to various Chinese troops proved that this war would be a costlier than thought one for Japan, a pariah now with few international friends.”
-Excerpt from Gingko and Cherry Blossom: Japan in the 20th Century
“I do not actively seek war in the Pacific! But there is no denial that we need increased military presence in our territories of the East!”
-Excerpt from a Franklin Roosevelt campaign speech
Japan's new Prime Minister
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stirlingdraka
Donor
So how long after the militarists finish consolidating their power will they deal with the increased Western aid to China?
Über alles in der Welt
“And from coast to coast, today millions of Americans listened to the radio broadcasted funeral of Charlie Chaplin. A eulogy given by his colleague, fellow silent comedian Buster Keaton, kicked off the event, his moving requiem a powerful reminder of the newfound cultural importance of motion pictures in society and a celebration of the humanitarian Mr. Chaplin was. Highlights of the wake will be aired later on this station this evening…” – NBC Radio Broadcast, May 19, 1932
“Rosenberg? Now you know you gotta be a sick son of a bitch for a fellow with that name to make a Jew shit his pants! (Audience Laughter)”
-Excerpt from Mel Brooks: Always Kosher, 1963
“Germany had been plunged into street violence throughout 1932, with various radicals of differencing ideologies getting into public brawls at beer halls and in the streets. Over the course of several months in Spring 1932, dozens had been killed by Communist and Nazi Party members, often from stabbings with knives and broken bottles. A fair showing by the Nazis in the 1932 presidential election, did little to ease concerns of many who feared their violence. While they didn’t win, earning over 33.5% of the vote was still respectable for many. It showed that this “joke of an organization” as it had been called in the 1920s was now a powerhouse. But it demonstrated above all the fractioning of the German right. Conservatives were losing members to the Nazis and fast, who were increasingly presenting themselves as bringers of a future without those pesky leftists.
“Tensions further rose following the Federal elections a few months later, in which the Nazis won a total of 227 seats in parliament. They were now by far the largest party, but issues continued in that nobody else wanted to form a coalition with these rising fascists. A government could not be engendered under this obstruction, and it looked like civil war could break out, something Reichstag President Hermann Göring greatly feared. Göring believed that a civil war was completely unfeasible for the Nazi Party to survive, despite the extreme factorization of the German Left. Thus, to try to encourage peace, another federal election was held. The results were redundant, in fact, the Nazis won an additional two seats for a total of 229. But even this was still not enough for a majority legally needed.
“Complicating matters even further was the interference by Comintern on the Communist Party of Germany. To Moscow, the center-left were as a great of a threat to Marxism with their “cultural fascism”, and retarding the progress of the Social Democratic Party of Germany was seen as vital for the country as stopping the Nazis. As odd as it seemed, to many German Communists Otto Wels as seen as dangerous to the nation as Joseph Goebbels.
“As further chaos loomed, the elderly President Paul von Hindenburg, decided to negotiate with Rosenberg in the winter of 32/33, along with reluctant support from Franz von Papen. It was a mistake that one of them would live to see regret.”
-Excerpt from The Continent of Blood: The History of War, Authoritarianism, and Terrorism in 20th Century Europe
“IT’S ROOSEVELT: FDR/GARNER TICKET WINS IN LANDSLIDE” – NEW YORK TIMES HEADLINE
Sooner than you might think.
“Rosenberg? Now you know you gotta be a sick son of a bitch for a fellow with that name to make a Jew shit his pants! (Audience Laughter)”
-Excerpt from Mel Brooks: Always Kosher, 1963
“Germany had been plunged into street violence throughout 1932, with various radicals of differencing ideologies getting into public brawls at beer halls and in the streets. Over the course of several months in Spring 1932, dozens had been killed by Communist and Nazi Party members, often from stabbings with knives and broken bottles. A fair showing by the Nazis in the 1932 presidential election, did little to ease concerns of many who feared their violence. While they didn’t win, earning over 33.5% of the vote was still respectable for many. It showed that this “joke of an organization” as it had been called in the 1920s was now a powerhouse. But it demonstrated above all the fractioning of the German right. Conservatives were losing members to the Nazis and fast, who were increasingly presenting themselves as bringers of a future without those pesky leftists.
“Tensions further rose following the Federal elections a few months later, in which the Nazis won a total of 227 seats in parliament. They were now by far the largest party, but issues continued in that nobody else wanted to form a coalition with these rising fascists. A government could not be engendered under this obstruction, and it looked like civil war could break out, something Reichstag President Hermann Göring greatly feared. Göring believed that a civil war was completely unfeasible for the Nazi Party to survive, despite the extreme factorization of the German Left. Thus, to try to encourage peace, another federal election was held. The results were redundant, in fact, the Nazis won an additional two seats for a total of 229. But even this was still not enough for a majority legally needed.
“Complicating matters even further was the interference by Comintern on the Communist Party of Germany. To Moscow, the center-left were as a great of a threat to Marxism with their “cultural fascism”, and retarding the progress of the Social Democratic Party of Germany was seen as vital for the country as stopping the Nazis. As odd as it seemed, to many German Communists Otto Wels as seen as dangerous to the nation as Joseph Goebbels.
“As further chaos loomed, the elderly President Paul von Hindenburg, decided to negotiate with Rosenberg in the winter of 32/33, along with reluctant support from Franz von Papen. It was a mistake that one of them would live to see regret.”
-Excerpt from The Continent of Blood: The History of War, Authoritarianism, and Terrorism in 20th Century Europe
“IT’S ROOSEVELT: FDR/GARNER TICKET WINS IN LANDSLIDE” – NEW YORK TIMES HEADLINE
Sooner than you might think.
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stirlingdraka
Donor
Well at least Roosevelt still wins in America even as Rosenberg is almost Chancellor and soon to be fhurer
Charles Coughlin
I’d like to thank you for all the feedback and let you know that I’m happy you’ve enjoyed the story so far. Here’s a brief update that I bet none of you were expecting.
“Among the strangest assassinations in American history came from the shooting of controversial Roman Catholic priest and radio personnel Charles Coughlin, whose weekly broadcasts reached millions of Americans. In January of 1933, Coughlin was shot to death by Boston mailman Richard Paul Pavlick, in Detroit, Michigan. Pavlick’s conspiracy theory influenced motivations were stated to be extreme hatred towards all Catholics, whom he believed secretly ran the world, and that he hoped to send a violent message by killing one of the nation’s most prominent members of the faith. President-elect Franklin Roosevelt condemned the murder in a brief press address the following day, saying the religious discrimination had no role in American society or democracy. Pavlick was sentenced to death by the state of Michigan in 1935.
“The incident demonstrated the power that radio influence had in modern society and the increased paranoia that gripped the world turning a time of extreme economic and ethnic tensions. Additionally, it showcased an aspect of society that would become commonplace on both sides of the Atlantic throughout the 1930s and beyond: Anti-Catholic sentiment.”
-Excerpt from the Ken Burns documentary, The Thirties
Pavlick being lead by police in court
“Among the strangest assassinations in American history came from the shooting of controversial Roman Catholic priest and radio personnel Charles Coughlin, whose weekly broadcasts reached millions of Americans. In January of 1933, Coughlin was shot to death by Boston mailman Richard Paul Pavlick, in Detroit, Michigan. Pavlick’s conspiracy theory influenced motivations were stated to be extreme hatred towards all Catholics, whom he believed secretly ran the world, and that he hoped to send a violent message by killing one of the nation’s most prominent members of the faith. President-elect Franklin Roosevelt condemned the murder in a brief press address the following day, saying the religious discrimination had no role in American society or democracy. Pavlick was sentenced to death by the state of Michigan in 1935.
“The incident demonstrated the power that radio influence had in modern society and the increased paranoia that gripped the world turning a time of extreme economic and ethnic tensions. Additionally, it showcased an aspect of society that would become commonplace on both sides of the Atlantic throughout the 1930s and beyond: Anti-Catholic sentiment.”
-Excerpt from the Ken Burns documentary, The Thirties
Pavlick being lead by police in court
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