Smith had a hunch, however, that the Nazis could not resist showing it off to the world's greatest aviator.Īs Smith predicted, the Nazis allowed Lindbergh to see some of their newest planes and production methods, intelligence he promptly reported back to the U.S. Germany had been developing its air force, the dreaded Luftwaffe, in secret since 1935. The idea had been the brainchild of the American military attaché in Berlin, Truman Smith. Beginning in 1936 and continuing for the next few years, Lindbergh visited Germany several times. Living for years in France, Lindbergh continued to visit nations around the world. In 1932, his toddler son was kidnapped and murdered, and soon after Lindbergh and his wife decided to move to Europe. Newspapers featuring Lindbergh quotes, photos or news sold well, and fame brought with it tragic consequences. Designed to persuade Americans to stay neutral in World War II, the speech ultimately backfired and Lindbergh was painted as a Nazi-sympathizer and anti-Semite.Īfter his historic 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, the “Lone Eagle” became the world's first media celebrity who had to contend with virtual round the clock surveillance by reporters and photographers. 11, 1941, Charles Lindbergh gave his notorious “Who are the war agitators?” speech in Des Moines, Iowa.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |