The Christian Front is a relatively obscure and loosely-organized group, so detailed information about its history and activities may be limited. However, it appears that the Christian Front was an American far-right, anti-Semitic, and anti-Communist group that emerged in the late 1930s and early 1940s. The group has been associated with extremist views and activities, often promoting conspiracy theories and engaging in hate speech. While some sources may refer to different organizations with the same or similar name, this brief biography will focus on the group active during this time period. ## Origins and ideology The Christian Front was founded in the late 1930s by a group of individuals who were inspired by the controversial radio broadcasts of [[Father Charles Coughlin]], a Catholic priest who espoused [[antisemitism]] and [fascist views](https://doctorparadox.net/people-data/american-fascists-and-the-global-right/). Coughlin was an influential figure in the United States during the 1930s, with millions of listeners tuning into his radio show, "The Golden Hour of the Shrine of the Little Flower." Coughlin's rhetoric was characterized by opposition to [[Communism]], support for [authoritarian regimes](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/) in Europe, and the promotion of [conspiracy theories](https://doctorparadox.net/why-do-people-believe-conspiracy-theories/) involving Jewish bankers and politicians (from [blood libel](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/blood-libel/) to [global cabal](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/global-cabal/)). The Christian Front adopted much of Coughlin's ideology, focusing on anti-Semitism, anti-communism, and support for fascist regimes. The group saw itself as a defender of Christianity against perceived threats from Jews, communists, and [liberal](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/liberalism/) politicians. ## Activities Throughout its existence, the Christian Front was involved in a variety of activities, including the distribution of anti-Semitic and anti-communist literature, organizing rallies and protests, and engaging in acts of violence and intimidation against those they perceived as enemies. The group's activities reached their peak during the early 1940s, as the United States was drawn into the [[World War II Timeline]]. ## The 1940 plot In January 1940, the [[FBI]] arrested 17 members of the Christian Front on charges of conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. government, espionage, and violation of the [[Neutrality Acts]]. The group was accused of plotting to bomb several targets, including Jewish-owned businesses and prominent politicians, and establishing a Nazi-style dictatorship in the United States. The trial, however, resulted in acquittals for all the defendants, as the government was unable to prove the existence of a concrete plot or the group's involvement in illegal activities. ## Decline and legacy Following the trial and the United States' entry into World War II, the Christian Front's influence and activities began to decline. With the end of the war and the increased focus on combating communism during the early years of the [Cold War](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/cold-war-dictionary/), the group's anti-Semitic and fascist ideology became less relevant. The Christian Front is now largely a historical curiosity, although it serves as a reminder of the complex political landscape of the 1930s and 1940s in the United States. The group's activities and connections to Father Charles Coughlin highlight the dangers of extremist ideologies and the potential for violence that can arise from them. See also: [[World War II Timeline]], [[Christian Nationalism]], [[Communism]], [[Nazis]], [[nationalism]]