Most Americans remember the years of the Second World War as a period of national unity and shared sacrifice, but this is hardly a complete picture of the era. In reality, the United States was deeply divided, with far-right groups including the German American Bund and the Silver Legion advocating an Americanized version of Adolf Hitler's regime, while the mainstream political establishment struggled to cope with the many challenges facing the country.

On Monday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m., the College of Arts and Sciences' Judaic Studies Program and the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies will welcome author Bradley Hart, PhD, associate professor at California State University, Fresno for a virtual lecture. This event is free, open to the public, and will be delivered as a Zoom webinar. Register to attend at fairfield.edu/bennettprograms.

Based on his award-winning book, Dr. Hart’s lecture, “Hitler’s American Friends: The Third Reich’s Supporters in the United States,” will examine the extremist groups that advocated for an American version of the Third Reich, the extent of their influence, and the means that the U.S. government and motivated citizens used to counter the influence of these groups at a key moment in history, to ensure that Hitler's American friends were ultimately defeated.

“Bradley Hart’s award-winning book, Hitler’s American Friends, offers the timely warning that American democracy has experienced its share of threats from the political right at earlier moments of history," said Gavriel Rosenfeld, PhD, professor of history and director of the Judaic Studies Program. "By showing how the United States has its own domestic Fascist and Nazi tradition, Professor Hart reminds us not to take our democratic freedoms for granted." 

Dr. Hart is an associate professor at California State University, Fresno, and the author or co-author of three books, including Hitler's American Friends: The Third Reich's Supporters in the United States.

The March 29 lecture will be held online and is free and open to the public. To register, visit fairfield.edu/bennettprograms. For general questions contact the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies at bennettcenter@fairfield.edu or 203-254-4000 ext. 2066.