George Sylvester Viereck (December 31, 1884 – March 18, 1962) was a German-American poet, writer, and propagandist known for his controversial views and affiliations during both [[World War I]] and the [[World War II Timeline]]. He was a prominent advocate of German-American relations and supporter of the German government during both conflicts, which led to his eventual imprisonment under the Smith Act. Born in Munich, Germany, to a German father and American mother, Viereck spent his early years in Germany before moving to the United States in 1896. He pursued a career as a poet and writer, gaining recognition for his work in both the U.S. and Germany. Viereck's early writings were heavily influenced by his admiration for German culture and history, as well as his belief in the superiority of the German people. ## WWI and propaganda efforts During World War I, Viereck became an ardent supporter of Germany and actively engaged in [propaganda](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/propaganda/) efforts aimed at influencing American public opinion. He edited and contributed to several pro-German publications, including "The Fatherland" and "The International." Viereck's outspoken advocacy for the German cause led to widespread suspicion and criticism of his loyalty to the United States. In the years between the two world wars, Viereck continued to write and publish, focusing primarily on poetry, literature, and history. However, his controversial views persisted, and he maintained his pro-German stance, even as [[Adolf Hitler]] and the [[Nazis]] rose to power in the early 1930s. ## WWII and imprisonment Viereck's support for the Nazi regime during World War II led to further controversy and legal trouble. He was charged and convicted under the Smith Act, a U.S. federal law that made it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the government, for his involvement in distributing Nazi propaganda. Viereck was imprisoned in 1942 and served a five-year sentence. After his release from prison, Viereck continued to write, but his reputation had been severely tarnished by his support for the Nazi regime. He spent the remainder of his life in relative obscurity, dying in 1962 at the age of 77. George S. Viereck's legacy is marked by his controversial views, his advocacy for Germany during both [[World War I]] and the [[World War II Timeline]], and his conviction under the Smith Act. Although he enjoyed success as a writer and poet, his political affiliations and activities overshadowed his literary achievements and left a lasting stain on his reputation.