Texas A&M University (TAMU) HIST106 History of the United States Practice Exam 2

Father Charles Coughlin, a Catholic priest and influential radio personality during the 1930s, became increasingly known for his anti-Semitic rhetoric as his views shifted over time. Initially, Coughlin was a strong supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies, but he later grew disillusioned and began to assign blame for economic woes to various groups, particularly the Jewish community. His broadcasts often included conspiracy theories about Jewish influence on banking and finance, contributing to an atmosphere of distrust and prejudice. This shift not only reflected his own ideological extremism but also tapped into and amplified existing social tensions during a period marked by economic hardship and rising anti-Semitism in the United States.

The other groups mentioned, such as labor unions, political parties, and government officials, did receive criticism from Coughlin at various points as he expressed his populist sentiments and opposition to certain policies. However, his most notorious criticisms were aimed at Jewish individuals and communities, which became a central theme in his later broadcasts and writings.