George Lincoln Rockwell, born on March 9, 1918, in Bloomington, Illinois, emerged as a prominent and controversial figure in American history. As the founder of the American Nazi Party, his actions and beliefs left an indelible mark on the nation’s sociopolitical landscape. Throughout his life, Rockwell’s journey from a naval officer to a neo-Nazi leader was marked by radical transformations and unwavering convictions.
Early Life and Education
Rockwell was the eldest of three children born to George Lovejoy Rockwell and Claire Schade Rockwell, both vaudeville comedians and actors. Following his parents’ divorce when he was six, he divided his time between his mother in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and his father in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. He attended Atlantic City High School and later enrolled at Brown University in 1938 as a philosophy major. However, he left Brown during his sophomore year to join the United States Navy.
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Military Service
Rockwell appreciated the order and discipline of the Navy, attending flight schools in Massachusetts and Florida in 1940. He served in both the Battle of the Atlantic and the Pacific War during World War II, primarily in support, photo reconnaissance, transport, and training roles. Although he never flew in combat, he was considered a competent pilot and efficient officer. After World War II, he briefly pursued a career in commercial art and advertising but was recalled to duty during the Korean War in 1950, where he trained pilots in San Diego.
Path to Extremism
During his time in San Diego, Rockwell’s political views became increasingly radical. He was influenced by Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist stance, Henry Ford’s anti-Semitic writings, and Charles Lindbergh’s views on race. In 1951, he read the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” and Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf,” which profoundly impacted his ideology. By the mid-1950s, Rockwell openly praised Hitler, referring to him as the “White Savior of the twentieth century.” He denied the Holocaust and believed that the civil rights movement was orchestrated by Jewish communists aiming to dominate the white community.
Founding the American Nazi Party
In 1959, Rockwell established the American Nazi Party, positioning himself as the leader of neo-Nazism in the United States. He adopted Nazi symbolism, rhetoric, and uniforms, seeking to attract attention and provoke outrage. His public demonstrations, speeches, and confrontations with civil rights activists garnered significant media coverage. Rockwell viewed black people as a primitive race desiring only simple pleasures and irresponsibility. He advocated for the resettlement of African Americans to a new African state funded by the U.S. government. Despite his extreme views, he found common ground with some black separatist leaders, quoting figures like Elijah Muhammad and early Malcolm X.
Assassination and Aftermath
On August 25, 1967, Rockwell was shot and killed while leaving a laundromat in Arlington, Virginia. John Patler, a former party member expelled by Rockwell for attempting to introduce Marxist ideas into party publications, was convicted of the murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Following Rockwell’s death, Matthias Koehl, the party’s second-in-command, assumed leadership of the organization. Rockwell’s parents desired a private burial in Maine, but due to complications, his body was ultimately cremated.
Legacy
Rockwell’s beliefs, strategies, and writings have continued to influence many white supremacists and neo-Nazis. His establishment of the World Union of National Socialists in 1962 further solidified his role in the global neo-Nazi movement. While his life was cut short, the impact of his actions and ideology persists, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of hatred and extremism.
Conclusion
George Lincoln Rockwell’s transformation from a naval officer to the founder of the American Nazi Party underscores the profound shifts that can occur in an individual’s beliefs. His life serves as a testament to the destructive power of hatred and the enduring impact of extremist ideologies. Understanding his journey is crucial in recognizing and combating the forces of bigotry and intolerance that continue to challenge societies worldwide.
