The Empire Never Ended 47: Father Coughlin and the Hour of Power
Aug 30, 2021
Dive into the bizarre saga of Father Charles Coughlin, a charismatic yet controversial priest whose fascist radio broadcasts captivated America in the 1930s. Discover his troubling ties with extremist groups and the notorious Christian Front, along with shocking insights into his anti-Semitic rhetoric. Unravel the toxic political alliance between Coughlin and Joe Kennedy, and explore the financial grift behind his church projects. This tale uncovers the lingering impact of a figure largely forgotten in today's discourse.
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Megachurch That Funded A Radio Empire
- Coughlin built an expensive Little Flower church with 600 theater seats despite serving ~25 families.
- He installed a radio antenna and turned his pulpit into a national broadcasting platform to fundraise and expand influence.
From New Dealer To Demagogue
- Coughlin shifted from New Deal supporter to vehement critic after feeling abandoned by FDR.
- He weaponized anti‑banker and coded antisemitic rhetoric to mobilize a mass audience against Roosevelt.
Toxic Mix Of Conspiracy And Faith
- Coughlin blended anti‑communism, conspiracy tropes, and antisemitic stereotypes into persuasive sermons.
- He popularized linking 'international bankers' and Jews as the root of societal ills, seeding tropes still used today.
