Father Coughlin first took to radio broadcasting in 1926. It wasn’t long before his theological broadcast turned into ones regarding the economy and politics1. His change in topic shows how every single person in the United States was affected by the economy at this time. Even the reverend broadcaster had to speak of politics instead of what his title and experience suggested!
Father Coughlin Delivering One of His Powerful Messages
After turning against FDR in 1934, Coughlin’s radio sermons praised Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. The Nazi press praised Coughlin as “America’s most powerful radio commentator.” He ranted against Jews, the “Christ-killers and Christ-rejecters.” 2 He continued to speak against communism and lead a group of Americans until his death in 1979.
Father Coughlin’s influence on Depression-era America was enormous. Millions of Americans listened to his weekly radio broadcast. At the height of his popularity, one-third of the nation was tuned into his weekly broadcasts1. In the early 1930s, Coughlin was, arguably, one of the most influential men in America. With this type of influence, how could someone not create history?
[1] “Social Security History.” Social Security Online History Pages. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.ssa.gov/history/cough.html>.
[2] “Father Charles Coughlin.” Father Charles Coughlin. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2012. <http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Zeroes/Father_Coughlin.html>.
Great Depression and World War II Project 