1939 Nazi Rally at Madison Square Garden
In a political context, a “Bund” typically refers to a federation or league, often used in German-speaking countries. For example, “Bund” is part of the official name of Germany, “Bundesrepublik Deutschland,” meaning the Federal Republic of Germany. It can also refer to various organizations or groups, such as the “Bund” in Jewish history, which was a Jewish socialist party in Eastern Europe.
On February 20, 1939, a Nazi rally took place at Madison Square Garden, organized by the German American Bund. More than 20,000 people attended, and Fritz Julius Kuhn was a featured speaker. The Bund billed the event, which took place two days before George Washington’s Birthday, as a pro-“Americanism” rally; the stage at the event featured a huge Washington portrait with swastikas on each side. Approximately 100,000 anti-Nazi counter-protesters gathered outside, attempting to break through lines of police officers guarding the rally on three occasions. The Bund rapidly declined in the aftermath of the rally, with Kuhn being imprisoned for embezzlement by the end of the year.
-Wikipedia: 1939 Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden
The German American Bund was an American Nazi organization that operated in the United States in the 1930s. It was established to promote Nazi ideology and foster a positive image of Nazi Germany among Americans of German descent. The Bund organized rallies, parades, and events that often featured Nazi symbols and rhetoric, aiming to build support for Adolf Hitler’s regime.
The organization was led by Fritz Julius Kuhn and reached its peak in the late 1930s, with a membership that included several thousand people. However, its activities and pro-Nazi stance led to significant public backlash and government scrutiny. The Bund’s influence waned as the U.S. entered World War II, and it was eventually disbanded following the war.
2024 MAGA Rally at Madison Square Garden
The ex-president’s rhetoric ranks alongside the most flagrant demagoguery by a major figure in any Western nation since World War II
“The United States is an occupied country,” Trump said, as Democrats projected messages on the exterior of the storied New York City arena, reading “Trump is Unhinged” and “Trump praised Hitler.”
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/28/politics/trump-extreme-closing-argument/index.html
Echoes of the Past: Parallels Between the 1939 Nazi Rally
and the 2024 MAGA Gathering at Madison Square Garden
In the heart of New York City, Madison Square Garden has long been a stage for pivotal moments in history. Two such moments, separated by 85 years, offer stark reminders of the perilous power of rhetoric and the recurring nature of authoritarianism. The infamous 1939 Nazi rally, organized by the German American Bund, and the 2024 MAGA rally, led by Donald Trump, both serve as poignant reflections of their respective eras’ political climates.
The 1939 Nazi Rally: A Chilling Display of Fascism
On February 20, 1939, Madison Square Garden was transformed into a platform for the German American Bund to espouse Nazi ideology under the guise of American nationalism. With more than 20,000 attendees, the rally was an unsettling blend of Nazi symbols and patriotic imagery. The event was billed as a “pro-Americanism” gathering, yet its core was deeply rooted in anti-Semitic and pro-fascist sentiments.
The public reaction was one of outrage and resistance. Outside the arena, approximately 100,000 anti-Nazi protesters gathered, demonstrating a collective stand against the hatred being propagated within. The rally was heavily policed to prevent violence, yet the sheer number of protesters highlighted the societal rejection of such extremist views. Ultimately, the rally marked the beginning of the end for the Bund, as its leader, Fritz Kuhn, faced legal repercussions, and public opinion turned decisively against them.
The 2024 MAGA Rally: Rhymes of History
Fast forward to October 2024, and Madison Square Garden once again became a focal point of political fervor. Donald Trump’s rally, part of his bid to regain the presidency, echoed with rhetoric that many have compared to the authoritarian and divisive language of past demagogues. The rally was marked by a strong anti-migrant stance and inflammatory remarks, aiming to galvanize a base through fear and division.
The parallels between the 1939 and 2024 rallies are striking. Both events used powerful venues to disseminate ideologies that challenged the democratic fabric of society. While the German American Bund sought to align American nationalism with Nazi ideology, the MAGA rally capitalized on modern fears, painting a picture of an “immigrant invasion” and promising radical measures that resonate with authoritarian undertones.
Implications for Democracy and Lessons from History
The recurrence of such rhetoric at Madison Square Garden serves as a cautionary tale. History has shown that unchecked power and demagoguery can lead to the erosion of democratic values. The 1939 rally, despite its initial impact, ultimately led to a public backlash that helped reaffirm democratic principles. Similarly, the 2024 rally challenges us to reflect on the lessons of the past and the importance of safeguarding democracy.
In these turbulent times, it is crucial to remain vigilant against the seductive allure of extreme rhetoric. The echoes of history remind us that democracy is not guaranteed; it must be actively protected and nurtured. By learning from the past, we can work toward a future that values unity, inclusivity, and the enduring strength of democratic ideals.
The 2024 US presidential election transcends a simple partisan divide between bona fide conservatives and progressive liberals. This election represents a critical juncture for safeguarding constitutional democratic governance, which is under threat from a resurgent fascism. We must confront and defeat latent fascism in all its forms.
As we navigate the complexities of today’s political landscape, let us remember Madison Square Garden’s lessons and commit to a future where history’s mistakes are not repeated, but rather, serve as stepping stones toward a more equitable and just society.
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Excellent look back at history and how history repeats itself. Unfortunately, it appears that nearly half the US population still subscribes to such hate speech and is quite willing to elect a convicted criminal as president even though they claim to be the law and order party. Their law and order is a return to slavery and Jim Crow laws.