PDF Summary:Gangsters vs. Nazis, by Michael Benson

In the 1930s, many Jewish Americans faced prejudice and economic hardship, leading some to turn to organized crime—not only as a means of survival, but also to resist the rising tide of Nazism sweeping across the country. In Gangsters vs. Nazis by Michael Benson, Jewish mobsters like Meyer Lansky and Mickey Cohen took it upon themselves to disrupt Nazi rallies and protect their communities, violently clashing with pro-Nazi groups like the German American Bund.

As pro-Nazi sentiments grew and allies in civic groups and government struggled for control, Jewish gangsters played a complex role in actively confronting Nazi supporters. They utilized both force and covert tactics to hinder fascist activities until America's entry into WWII led to the eventual downfall of the American Nazi movement.

(continued)...

• Use the concept of improvisation from the makeshift weapons to develop a creative problem-solving workshop. Gather a group of friends or colleagues and present them with various scenarios where they must use only the items at hand to solve a challenge. This activity can enhance quick thinking and resourcefulness, mirroring the adaptability of the mobsters but in a constructive and team-building context.
• Create a virtual discussion group focused on non-violent conflict resolution, inviting participants to analyze historical clashes and brainstorm alternative outcomes. Use social media platforms to facilitate these discussions, encouraging members to research and present peaceful solutions that could have been employed during the historical events you're studying. This can help apply lessons from the past to current and future conflicts.
• Engage in a creative writing exercise where you imagine and write a letter from the perspective of a soldier in a historical battle. This activity can help you explore the emotional and physical toll of war, enhancing empathy and understanding of the human aspect behind historical events.
• Develop a habit of looking for unintended consequences in daily news stories, similar to the unexpected outcome of the slippery blood. Whenever you read or watch a news report, take a moment to jot down potential unforeseen results of the events or decisions reported. This practice can sharpen your critical thinking and ability to anticipate complex cause-and-effect relationships in real-world situations.

Gangsters utilized malodorous explosives and hefty instruments to drive away the Nazi forces.

Jewish gangsters employed numerous tactics to cause considerable disruption and damage. They sowed chaos using foul-smelling contraptions and subsequently clashed with hidden weapons ensconced within the folds of newsprint. The clashes frequently led to severe harm and typified guerrilla combat. During their assaults, gangsters notoriously targeted the attire and headgear adorned with the Nazi insignia. After these confrontations, it was claimed that Nazi party affiliates became reluctant to walk along the streets of New York in their distinctive attire.

Context

• The term "guerrilla combat" refers to unconventional warfare tactics, often used by smaller groups to fight larger, more organized forces. This included surprise attacks and the use of everyday items as weapons.
• During the 1930s and 1940s, newspapers were a common item people carried, making them an inconspicuous way to hide weapons.
• These clashes often occurred in a legal gray area, as law enforcement might have been reluctant to intervene due to political pressures or sympathies, complicating the social dynamics of the time.
• The public nature of these confrontations served as a deterrent. The fear of being attacked or humiliated in public likely discouraged Nazi affiliates from displaying their allegiance openly.

Nat Arno and his Minutemen found themselves persistently engaged in an extended struggle against the Bund in Newark, New Jersey.

The Minutemen played a crucial role in maintaining tranquility in Newark's Jewish districts by interrupting gatherings of Nazis and asserting their authority by engaging in unforeseen clashes with Bund affiliates, thereby extending their sway across the region.

Guided by the ex-pugilist Nat Arno, the Minutemen initiated a campaign to challenge Nazi organizations in Newark. They initiated unexpected assaults on members of the Nazi party during their gatherings, including at venues like the Schwabbenhalle. The Minutemen engaged in their struggle within the city streets, endeavoring to maintain strict control over districts primarily populated by residents of Jewish descent, using severe tactics reminiscent of their earlier experiences in the boxing realm. They took steps to safeguard the Jewish population by securing weapons and carrying out preparedness drills, receiving backing in both finances and other resources from notable figures such as the infamous mobster Longie Zwillman.

Practical Tips

• Create a community alert system using a simple group messaging app. This system can serve as a modern-day equivalent of the Minutemen's communication network, allowing residents to quickly share information about safety concerns or suspicious activities. It's a proactive step to keep your community informed and prepared.
• Engage in constructive conversations with people in your network about the dangers of hate groups. By discussing the topic in a respectful and informative manner, you can raise awareness and potentially dissuade individuals from being influenced by such ideologies. You might start by sharing credible information or personal stories that highlight the negative impact of hate groups on society.
• Improve your preparedness for unforeseen events by role-playing scenarios based on historical conflicts. Gather a group of friends and assign roles based on different historical figures or factions. Then, create a hypothetical situation that could lead to a clash and work through how each person would respond. This can help you think on your feet and consider multiple perspectives when faced with unexpected situations.
• Offer to mentor someone in your field of expertise. Just as the Minutemen shared their knowledge and skills across their region, you can extend your influence by helping others grow professionally. This could be through informal coaching sessions or by setting up a small group where you share insights and experiences relevant to your industry.
• Build a support network that mirrors the camaraderie of a tight-knit group by initiating a peer-mentoring group in your workplace or community. Reach out to colleagues or neighbors and organize regular meet-ups where you can share experiences, offer advice, and provide support for personal and professional growth. This network can serve as a sounding board for ideas and a source of motivation, much like a team of individuals united by a common cause.
• Create a personal timeline of social justice issues that resonate with you, mapping out key events and figures that have opposed oppressive systems. This exercise can help you identify patterns in successful resistance efforts and may guide you in supporting or participating in contemporary causes with similar values and objectives.
• Improve your strategic thinking by playing board games that require surprise tactics. Games like Risk or Chess can be played with a focus on developing strategies that involve surprising your opponent. This can translate into a better understanding of how to approach real-life scenarios where you need to think several steps ahead and potentially outmaneuver competition or challenges.
• Create a themed event based on a lesser-known historical episode to engage friends and family in learning about history. Choose a specific event or era that interests you, and organize a small gathering where everything from the decor to the activities and discussions are centered around that theme. This could be a dinner with period-appropriate dishes, a book club meeting discussing literature from that time, or a game night with trivia based on historical facts.
• Start a walking history club with friends or community members to trace the steps of the Minutemen. Plan routes that follow historical paths and discuss the events that took place in those locations. This activity combines physical exercise with educational exploration, fostering a personal connection to the historical events and the urban landscape that shaped them.
• Enhance your awareness of community diversity by conducting a neighborhood census. Take a walk through different districts and note the variety of businesses, religious institutions, and cultural centers. This will give you a tangible sense of the demographic makeup and cultural richness of your area, mirroring the historical context you read about.
• Use the concept of a boxer's resilience to bounce back from setbacks. When faced with a failure or mistake, analyze what went wrong as a boxer would review a lost match, then create a comeback plan that addresses those issues. For instance, if a presentation doesn't go well, identify the weak points, seek feedback, and practice those areas for your next 'bout'.
• Educate yourself on the history and current issues facing minority communities through online courses or local workshops. This knowledge empowers you to recognize situations where minority groups may need protection or support and enables you to act effectively, whether it's through advocacy or direct assistance.
• Explore the use of smart home security technology to monitor and protect your living space. Installing devices like smart locks, security cameras, and motion sensors can provide a sense of security without the need for traditional weapons. These gadgets often come with user-friendly apps that allow you to check on your home remotely, offering peace of mind while you're away.
• Develop a "preparedness challenge" with friends or neighbors to encourage community readiness. Each participant could create a unique emergency scenario and challenge others to respond with an appropriate action plan. Sharing these plans in a group setting allows for feedback and the exchange of ideas, fostering a community-wide culture of preparedness.
• Analyze the power dynamics in your workplace by observing how different departments or teams collaborate. Pay attention to how projects are influenced by the support of key individuals, especially those in leadership or with social clout. Note any patterns where support from these individuals leads to a project's success or failure. This can help you understand the importance of backing from influential figures in a professional setting.

Clashes broke out at venues including the Irvington-based German Cultural Center and the Schwabbenhalle.

The clashes intensified, leading to violent episodes at Nazi gathering spots, including a venue in Newark and a hub of German heritage in Irvington. Clashes at these locations often escalated into violence, as protestors of Jewish heritage armed themselves with makeshift weapons like sticks to defend against the aggressors who supported Nazi ideology. The Minutemen were also known for their strategic acumen, initiating surprise assaults targeting the heads of the Nazi movement and commencing attacks post gatherings, leading to numerous injuries and significant harm to vehicles and properties owned by Nazi affiliates.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal safety plan that includes identifying safe spaces and people you can trust in your community. Start by mapping out different routes to and from your regular destinations, noting locations like police stations, hospitals, and public areas with high foot traffic. Share this plan with a close friend or family member so someone is always aware of your whereabouts.
• Apply the principle of surprise to your communication by delivering unexpected positive feedback. In your personal or professional life, catch people off guard with compliments or acts of kindness when they least expect it. This can strengthen relationships and create a more dynamic and responsive social environment.
• Write a reflective journal entry after each chapter to connect the historical events to modern-day issues. This practice can help you process the information on a personal level and explore how the past informs present-day societal dynamics, potentially leading to a more empathetic and informed worldview.

In places such as Chicago, Jewish mobsters and local organizations actively opposed and confronted those who endorsed Nazi beliefs.

Davey Berman from Minneapolis and Mickey Cohen from Los Angeles each played significant roles in the struggle against Nazi groups.

Organizations like the Anti-Defamation League, along with Jewish mobsters, took a stand against proponents of Nazism in urban areas including Chicago, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles. Notable figures from the criminal world, such as Davey Berman in Minneapolis and Mickey Cohen in Los Angeles, were actively involved in the resistance. They confronted the Nazi using a variety of weapons, including but not limited to baseball bats. The attackers, of Jewish descent, often inflicted significant damage on the Nazis and at times covertly disrupted their plans, impeding their capacity to organize public events.

Practical Tips

• You can learn about historical figures who fought against injustice by researching local heroes in your community's history. Start by visiting your local library or historical society to find information on individuals who took a stand against oppression or injustice. This could lead to discovering stories of lesser-known figures similar to Davey Berman and Mickey Cohen, which can inspire you to recognize and support modern-day individuals or groups who continue to fight against hate and discrimination.
• Create a personal code of ethics that defines how you would respond to injustice. Reflect on the courage and direct action taken by the Jewish mobsters and consider what modern-day scenarios might call for a principled stand. Write down specific actions you would be willing to take in the face of discrimination or bullying, whether it's speaking out, supporting victims, or educating others.

The Chicago division of the Anti-Defamation League infiltrated Nazi organizations to collect and provide intelligence that would obstruct their activities.

Members of the Jewish community adeptly infiltrated organizations that supported Nazi beliefs, utilizing their proficiency in covert operations and intelligence gathering. The intelligence collected through covert operations played a pivotal role in preemptively hindering Nazi operations, leading to the dissolution of their assemblies and diminishing their sway in various communities, thus demonstrating a united stand in safeguarding Jewish people from the threats posed by advocates of Nazism throughout the nation.

Context

• This period saw a rise in fascist sympathies globally, and the ADL's efforts were part of a larger movement to counteract these dangerous ideologies.
• The drive to protect their communities was deeply rooted in cultural and religious imperatives, emphasizing the importance of collective action and self-defense.
• Infiltrating these groups often involved navigating complex legal and social landscapes, as operatives had to work within the law while dealing with potentially violent and secretive organizations.
• The intelligence operations often led to legal actions against Nazi organizations, including arrests and prosecutions, which further weakened their influence and deterred their activities.
• The actions taken by these communities set precedents for future civil rights activism and demonstrated the power of organized resistance against hate groups.

Jewish mobsters played a pivotal role in confronting the rise of Nazism, especially within the American Midwest.

In the United States during the 1930s, Jewish mobsters were instrumental in challenging the proliferation of National Socialist beliefs, particularly in the nation's heartland.

Groups like the Silver Legion, which espoused beliefs akin to those of the Nazis, made a significant mark, especially in Minnesota, in the heart of the Midwest.

During this critical historical moment, gangsters with Jewish ancestry firmly held their position and refused to be silent. Under William Dudley Pelley's guidance, the Silver Legion penetrated communities throughout the Midwest and beyond. Eric Sevareid, who had Jewish heritage, courageously exposed the activities of the Silver Legion through his investigative journalism.

Under the leadership of William Dudley Pelley, the Silver Legion extended its influence and orchestrated events across numerous urban areas.

Pelley's public appeal led to a significant increase in membership for his Silver Shirts organization. The organization succeeded in creating a substantial foothold in Minneapolis, expanding its reach to encompass students affiliated with the University of Minnesota. The members of the Jewish faith recognized the looming threat and understood the urgent necessity to put a stop to Pelley's rise to power.

Practical Tips

• You can boost group membership by personalizing outreach efforts. Start by identifying the interests and needs of potential members through social media engagement or surveys. Then, tailor your communication to address those specific interests, making each person feel seen and valued. For example, if you're trying to grow a book club, send personalized invitations that mention a book you've noticed they enjoy based on their online activity.
• Create a digital map to visualize the historical spread of organizations similar to the Silver Legion across different regions. Use free online mapping tools like Google My Maps to plot points where these groups were active, based on your research. This can help you grasp the geographical spread and impact of such movements.

Davey Berman, who was also referred to as "Davey the Jew," joined forces with Isadore "Sparky" Rubenstein from Chicago to actively oppose the Nazi groups.

In Minneapolis, the individual known as "Davey the Jew" Berman was not inclined towards inaction. He united his organization with local factions to confront the Silver Shirts head-on. By closely observing and taking preemptive actions, they effectively thwarted the schemes of the Nazi groups, leading to the collapse of their organizational framework.

Having developed his ability to defend himself in Chicago's largely Jewish Maxwell Street ghetto, Sparky Rubenstein immediately addressed the danger posed by the Nazis. He assembled a cohort of individuals ready to challenge proponents of Nazi beliefs, demonstrating his firm conviction in the Jewish community's ability to defend itself.

The actions of Jewish figures like Sparky Rubenstein, Herb Brin, and Barney Ross were instrumental in thwarting numerous Nazi assemblies in Chicago. The unwavering resistance of the Jewish community served as a potent challenge to the spread of anti-Semitic Nazi ideologies within their city.

The Jewish community in the Midwest exhibited both tenacity and resolve in their opposition. A group of Jewish gangsters, in collaboration with their allies, banded together to stem the spread of these abhorrent beliefs, using their strategic expertise and strength to protect their communities and offer protection to surrounding areas.

Practical Tips

• You can learn to identify and challenge extremist ideologies by starting a book club focused on historical resistance movements. Gather a group of friends or community members to read and discuss stories of those who have stood up against oppressive regimes. This will not only increase your knowledge but also help you recognize the signs of extremist ideologies in modern times.
• Engage in role-playing exercises with friends to practice counter-argument techniques. Create scenarios where one person presents an extremist viewpoint, and others must respond with logical, compassionate arguments. This exercise can help you develop the skills to effectively challenge harmful beliefs in real-life situations, similar to how individuals like Sparky Rubenstein confronted Nazi beliefs.
• Create a personal "ideology audit" for yourself to identify and challenge any biases or prejudiced beliefs you may hold. This involves writing down your core beliefs, comparing them to inclusive and humanitarian values, and then committing to a plan to adjust any beliefs that don't align with principles of equality and justice.
• Create a digital platform for reporting and discussing historical inaccuracies or hate speech found in online content. By collaborating with web developers and historians, you can provide a space where users can flag content and discuss the importance of accurate historical representation. This initiative takes inspiration from the proactive stance against harmful ideologies and adapts it to the digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly.

The decline of the American Nazi movement was hastened by a succession of controversies and legal investigations, which reached a climax as World War II began.

As the onset of World War II loomed, the Nazi factions in the United States, beset by a multitude of scandals and legal confrontations, were on the brink of disintegration.

The standing of individuals like Fritz Kuhn and William Dudley Pelley within the Nazi movement suffered as a result of criminal charges and scandals.

Key individuals such as Fritz Kuhn and William Dudley Pelley faced a multitude of legal challenges that eroded their influence.

The conviction for embezzlement of Kuhn severely tarnished the standing of the German-American Bund.

Fritz Kuhn's conviction for embezzling funds significantly damaged the credibility of the group referred to as the German American Bund. Investigations revealed Kuhn's involvement in misappropriating funds, and the controversy intensified due to his engagement in affairs outside his marriage, along with allegations of various minor legal violations. He was discovered to have misappropriated money earmarked for the Bund's defense for his own personal gain. Upon completing his sentence, Kuhn was once again apprehended on charges of espionage and subsequently deported to Germany.

Context

• Kuhn's embezzlement scandal provided ammunition to these opposition groups, as it exposed corruption and undermined the Bund's claims of moral and ideological superiority.
• The revelation of his affairs might have been used in legal proceedings to question his character and credibility, potentially influencing the outcomes of investigations into his financial misconduct.
• After serving his sentence for embezzlement, Kuhn faced additional charges related to espionage, reflecting the heightened tensions and suspicions during the pre-World War II era.
• Kuhn's legal troubles and subsequent deportation further discredited the German American Bund, contributing to its decline and eventual disbandment during World War II.

The pivotal role in securing Pelley's sedition conviction, which ultimately led to the disbandment of his Silver Legion, was played by the congressional committee responsible for investigating un-American activities.

The leader of the Silver Legion was subject to potential conviction on sedition charges due to the provocative and undermining nature of the material he spread in his publication. The initiatives of the House Un-American Activities Committee led to the dissolution and eventual collapse of the Silver Legion.

Context

• He was the founder of the Silver Legion, an American fascist organization. Pelley was known for his anti-Semitic and pro-Nazi views, which he disseminated through his publications and speeches.
• Also known as the Silver Shirts, this was a paramilitary group in the United States that mirrored some of the ideologies of European fascist movements, particularly those of Nazi Germany.
• The spread of Pelley's material was seen as particularly dangerous because it could influence public opinion and potentially recruit more followers to his cause, thereby threatening national security and social cohesion.
• Sedition involves conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state. Pelley's activities and publications were seen as promoting anti-government sentiments, which led to legal action against him.
• Established in 1938, HUAC was a committee of the U.S. House of Representatives tasked with investigating alleged disloyalty and subversive activities. It played a significant role in identifying and prosecuting individuals and groups deemed un-American.
• The conviction of Pelley and the disbandment of the Silver Legion were significant in demonstrating the U.S. government's commitment to combating domestic threats during wartime. It also served as a warning to other extremist groups operating within the country.

After the Pearl Harbor incident, government scrutiny and investigations into organizations displaying loyalty to Nazi ideologies increased significantly.

As the United States joined the Second World War, the government intensified its monitoring of groups within the country that endorsed Nazi beliefs.

Authorities apprehended and then deported the principal proponents of the Nazi doctrine, considering them threats to the country's safety.

Post-Pearl Harbor, the US government took a hard stance against Nazi leaders, arresting and deporting individuals like Fritz Kuhn deemed as national security threats.

Other Perspectives

• The actions could be criticized for potentially exacerbating tensions or creating martyrs, thus inadvertently promoting the very doctrines they aim to suppress.
• The focus on leaders may have overlooked the broader network of Nazi sympathizers who were not in leadership positions but still posed a potential threat.

As conflicts began, widespread sentiment quickly turned against the ideology of the Nazis, leading to the collapse of their efforts in the United States.

Backing for the American Nazi group waned as the country united in defiance of the Axis powers. The movement's downfall was precipitated by a change in societal attitudes coupled with actions taken by legal and governmental bodies. Prominent individuals, including Charles Lindbergh, moderated their language, and numerous individuals of German descent downplayed their background, mirroring a change in the nation's attitudes. As the United States became fully involved in the conflict, the once prominent American Nazi groups disappeared.

Context

• Politicians across the spectrum condemned Nazi ideology, and legislative measures were introduced to curb the activities of Nazi sympathizers in the U.S.
• The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 galvanized American public opinion and led to a surge of patriotism, further isolating and discrediting pro-Nazi groups within the U.S.
• The Smith Act of 1940 made it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the U.S. government, which was used to prosecute individuals and groups with extremist views.
• The Espionage Act and the Sedition Act, passed during World War I and still in effect, created a climate of fear that made public displays of German heritage risky.
• The war effort fostered a sense of national unity and patriotism, which marginalized extremist groups and ideologies that were seen as un-American or supportive of enemy nations.