What Is 1939 rally at Madison Square Garden

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Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1939 rally at Madison Square Garden was a pro-Nazi event organized by the German-American Bund on February 20, 1939, drawing over 20,000 attendees. It featured a massive portrait of George Washington flanked by swastikas and sparked national outrage, leading to widespread condemnation and increased scrutiny of fascist groups in the U.S.

Key Facts

Over 20,000 people attended the rally on February 20, 1939 at Madison Square Garden.
The event was organized by the German-American Bund, a U.S.-based Nazi-aligned group.
Attendees saluted with the Nazi straight-arm gesture while singing 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.
Police reported 100,000 protesters gathered outside the venue in opposition.
The rally occurred just 20 months before the U.S. entered World War II.
New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia strongly condemned the event.
Speaker Fritz Kuhn was later deported for perjury and tax evasion.

Overview

The 1939 rally at Madison Square Garden was a highly controversial pro-Nazi demonstration organized by the German-American Bund, a fascist organization with ties to Nazi Germany. Held on February 20, 1939, the event took place in one of America’s most iconic venues and attracted over 20,000 attendees, making it one of the largest public displays of Nazi sympathy on U.S. soil.

The rally occurred amid rising global tensions and growing fears of fascism spreading beyond Europe. Despite the American setting, the event featured Nazi symbolism, anti-Semitic rhetoric, and pledges of loyalty to Adolf Hitler, sparking national outrage and drawing sharp criticism from political leaders and civil rights groups.

Attendance exceeded 20,000 people, filling Madison Square Garden to capacity and requiring additional security from New York police.
Fritz Kuhn, leader of the German-American Bund, delivered a fiery speech promoting Aryan supremacy and attacking Jewish influence in America.
The stage featured a giant portrait of George Washington flanked by six swastika banners, symbolizing a twisted fusion of American patriotism and Nazi ideology.
Attendees performed the Nazi straight-arm salute during the singing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' a deeply offensive act to many Americans.
Outside the arena, an estimated 100,000 anti-fascist protesters gathered, leading to clashes with police and multiple arrests.

How It Works

The rally was structured as a political spectacle combining American symbols with Nazi ideology to appeal to German-Americans and sympathizers. Organizers used propaganda techniques, orchestrated chants, and militaristic formations to project strength and legitimacy.

Propaganda Display:Massive banners and portraits were used to create a visual narrative equating American founding ideals with Nazi racial theories.
Recruitment Strategy: The Bund targeted second-generation German-Americans through youth camps, newspapers, and patriotic-themed rallies.
Security Measures: Over 1,500 police officers were deployed to control crowds and prevent violence between attendees and protesters.
Media Coverage: The event was filmed by newsreel crews and later distributed widely, amplifying its notoriety.
Legal Loopholes: The Bund operated legally under First Amendment protections, despite promoting hate and authoritarianism.
Financial Backing: The rally was funded through membership dues and donations from Bund supporters across the U.S.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1939 rally stands out among extremist gatherings in U.S. history due to its scale, location, and timing. The table below compares it to other notable events.

Event	Date	Location	Attendance	Key Organizer
Madison Square Garden Rally	February 20, 1939	New York, NY	20,000+	German-American Bund
Charlottesville 'Unite the Right'	August 12, 2017	Charlottesville, VA	600–1,000	Richard Spencer
Dixiecrat Convention	July 1948	Birmingham, AL	10,000+	Strom Thurmond
1963 March on Washington	August 28, 1963	Washington, D.C.	250,000	MLK Jr. & civil rights leaders
1977 National Socialist March	March 1977	Chicago, IL	300	Frank Collin

Unlike later extremist rallies, the 1939 event occurred before U.S. involvement in World War II, when legal restrictions on hate speech were minimal. Its use of mainstream American symbols to promote Nazi ideology made it uniquely shocking and galvanized public opposition to fascism in America.

Why It Matters

The 1939 rally remains a stark reminder of how extremist ideologies can gain visibility within democratic societies. Its legacy continues to inform debates on free speech, national identity, and the limits of tolerance.

The event prompted increased FBI surveillance of domestic fascist groups under J. Edgar Hoover.
It contributed to public support for U.S. intervention in World War II after 1941.
Mayor Fiorello La Guardia condemned the rally, calling it a betrayal of American values.
Fritz Kuhn was later arrested for embezzlement and perjury, undermining the Bund’s credibility.
The rally highlighted the danger of homegrown extremism exploiting constitutional rights.
Historians cite it as a turning point in public perception of Nazi sympathizers in America.

Today, the 1939 Madison Square Garden rally is studied as a cautionary tale about the normalization of hate under the guise of patriotism. Its lessons remain relevant in ongoing discussions about democracy, extremism, and civic responsibility.