George Lincoln Rockwell, American sailor and politician, founded the American Nazi Party (d. 1967)

George Lincoln Rockwell (March 9, 1918 – August 25, 1967) emerged as a deeply controversial figure in American history, primarily known as the founder of the American Nazi Party. His journey from a decorated military officer to a prominent Neo-Nazi leader is a stark illustration of the extreme fringes of political ideology in mid-20th century America.

Born in Bloomington, Illinois, Rockwell initially pursued a path of military service. He served with distinction in the United States Navy, eventually achieving the rank of Commander. However, his increasingly radical political views began to clash with the military's expectations. By 1959, the conflict became irreconcilable, leading to his discharge from the service due to these extremist beliefs. This dismissal proved to be a pivotal moment, effectively redirecting his focus entirely towards political activism.

Founding the American Nazi Party and Core Ideologies

Following his military discharge, George Lincoln Rockwell wasted no time in establishing the American Nazi Party. This organization quickly became a lightning rod for controversy, openly promoting white supremacy and antisemitism, and seeking to revive the National Socialist ideology within the United States. Rockwell himself became its most visible and vocal proponent, propagating a worldview that was both hateful and deeply divisive.

At the core of Rockwell's ideology was an outright denial of the Holocaust, a historical atrocity he dismissed as a fabrication. He harbored profound antisemitic views, which profoundly influenced his understanding of American society and politics. For instance, he openly claimed that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was merely a puppet for "Jewish Communists" who, he believed, sought to undermine and ultimately control the white community. Consequently, he attributed the entire Civil Rights Movement, a crucial struggle for equality in America, to a Jewish conspiracy.

Rockwell's admiration for Adolf Hitler was unequivocal; he frequently lauded Hitler as the "White savior of the twentieth century." His views on race were equally abhorrent. He espoused racist stereotypes, particularly towards Black people, whom he characterized as a primitive and lethargic race interested solely in simple pleasures and a life devoid of responsibility. His proposed solution to racial issues in the U.S. was the forced resettlement of all African Americans to a new African state, an initiative he believed should be entirely funded by the U.S. government.

Interestingly, despite his white supremacist stance, Rockwell was a staunch supporter of racial segregation. This particular belief led him to find common ground, albeit tactically and not ideologically, with certain leaders of the Black nationalism movement. He would often quote figures like Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X when their views on racial separation aligned with his own, using their words to bolster his arguments for segregation, even though their ultimate aims and justifications were diametrically opposed to his.

Later Years and Assassination

As the years progressed, George Lincoln Rockwell's influence within the extremist right wing grew, leading him to align increasingly with other Neo-Nazi organizations globally. His leadership extended to the World Union of National Socialists, a testament to his efforts to forge an international network of like-minded individuals and groups dedicated to promoting National Socialist doctrines.

However, Rockwell's volatile leadership and uncompromising nature ultimately contributed to his downfall. On August 25, 1967, his life was abruptly ended when he was shot and killed in Arlington, Virginia. His assailant was John Patler, a disaffected member of the American Nazi Party who had been expelled by Rockwell himself for alleged "Bolshevik leanings," a grim end to a life marked by extreme ideological fervor and division.

FAQs About George Lincoln Rockwell

Who was George Lincoln Rockwell?
George Lincoln Rockwell was an American Neo-Nazi politician, best known as the founder and leader of the American Nazi Party.
What were his main political beliefs?
Rockwell was a white supremacist, an antisemite, and a Holocaust denier. He admired Adolf Hitler and advocated for racial segregation and the forced resettlement of African Americans to Africa.
What was his military background?
He was a Commander in the United States Navy but was discharged in 1959 due to his increasingly extreme political views.
When did he found the American Nazi Party?
He founded the American Nazi Party shortly after his discharge from the Navy in 1959.
How did George Lincoln Rockwell die?
He was assassinated on August 25, 1967, in Arlington, Virginia, by John Patler, a disgruntled member he had expelled from the American Nazi Party.
Did he have connections to other extremist groups?
Yes, in his later years, he became a prominent figure in the international Neo-Nazi movement, leading the World Union of National Socialists.