Charles Coughlin: Radio Priest and Politics
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Questions and Answers

What was Charles Coughlin commonly known as?

  • The Political Priest
  • The Social Justice Leader
  • Father Coughlin (correct)
  • The Radio Prophet

    • Charles Coughlin initially supported Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal.

    True

    In what year was Charles Coughlin ordained to the priesthood?

    1916

    Coughlin established the National Union for Social Justice in _____ (year).

    <p>1934</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match Charles Coughlin's roles with their descriptions:

    <p>Priest = Ordained in 1916 Radio Host = Had 30 million listeners during the 1930s Political Leader = Founded the National Union for Social Justice Antisemitic Commentator = Used broadcasts for antisemitic agenda</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of Coughlin's primary platforms in his political organization?

    <p>Nationalization of major industries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin's popularity declined after supporting Nazi Germany.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the name of Charles Coughlin's radio program?

    <p>Golden Hour</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Coughlin accuse Roosevelt of in relation to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War?

    <p>Leaning toward international socialism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin's superior, Bishop Michael Gallagher, supported Coughlin's actions and refused to reprimand him.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the presidential candidate endorsed by Coughlin at the Union party convention?

    <p>William Lemke</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In 1936, Coughlin opened a new church building at the ________ of the Little Flower.

    <p>Shrine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following figures with their roles in relation to Coughlin:

    <p>Bishop Michael Gallagher = Supported Coughlin Francis Spellman = Tried to mute Coughlin's rhetoric Pope Pius XI = Replaced Gallagher Cardinal Mundelein = Condemned Coughlin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Coughlin promise to do if he failed to deliver nine million votes for Lemke?

    <p>Retire from broadcasting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Golden Hour was broadcasted at its peak to more than 70 affiliates by 1938.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What organization did Coughlin found after calling for a 'crusade against the anti-Christian forces'?

    <p>Christian Front</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In 1938, Coughlin described Roosevelt as a '_______' referring to his political stance.

    <p>communist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following groups with their actions during Coughlin's broadcasting career:

    <p>NUSJ = Founded the Union Party WMCA = Canceled broadcasts after inflammatory content Christian Front = Accumulated several thousand members American Catholic hierarchy = Disapproved of Coughlin's actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of Coughlin's major criticisms directed towards Roosevelt?

    <p>Jewish conspiracies and capitalists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin's criticism of Roosevelt had no impact on his share of votes from the 1932 election.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the Union Party and the NUSJ after the 1936 elections?

    <p>They disbanded</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Coughlin believe was necessary for lasting prosperity in industry?

    <p>Government regulations on competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin was in favor of the complete abolition of political parties.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who were the modern Shylocks according to Coughlin?

    <p>Greedy manufacturers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin referred to the Great Depression as a '______ famine'.

    <p>cash</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following Coughlin's beliefs or actions with their descriptions:

    <p>Support for silver coinage = Proposal to inflate the money supply Condemnation of the Federal Reserve = Called for control of money supply by Congress Sympathy for fascist regimes = Viewed as an antidote to Communism Disassociation from Nazi organization = Condemned racial animosities and hatreds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In his testimony before Congress, what did Coughlin predict if Congress failed to support the President's monetary program?

    <p>A revolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin believed that individualism should be encouraged in industry.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the NUSJ advocate for regarding taxation?

    <p>Wealth redistribution through increased taxation of the wealthy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin claimed that the U.S. government should nationalize the ______ System.

    <p>Federal Reserve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which slogan did Coughlin use to appeal to isolationists?

    <p>Less care for internationalism and more concern for national prosperity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason Coughlin began broadcasting his Sunday sermons?

    <p>To provide support to local Catholics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin was associated with the Ku Klux Klan.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year did Coughlin graduate from the University of Toronto?

    <p>1911</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin became a priest after being ordained in _____ in 1916.

    <p>Toronto</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following years with their respective events in Coughlin's life:

    <p>1911 = Graduated from the University of Toronto 1923 = Transferred to the Archdiocese of Detroit 1932 = Became an early supporter of Roosevelt's New Deal 1934 = Founded the National Union for Social Justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main criticism of Coughlin's radio broadcasts by CBS?

    <p>His political views were controversial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin founded a national organization for workers' rights called the National Union for Social Justice.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which city did Coughlin move to when he transferred to the Archdiocese?

    <p>Detroit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin's radio program was called the _____ Hour of the Shrine of the Little Flower.

    <p>Golden</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Coughlin coin as a popular phrase regarding Roosevelt?

    <p>Roosevelt or Ruin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin's Golden Hour had a peak audience of over 10 million listeners.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Coughlin primarily teach at Assumption College?

    <p>Religion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin's political rhetoric made him popular among the _____ and opponents of the Federal Reserve.

    <p>nativists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which religious order did Coughlin enter before transferring to the Archdiocese?

    <p>The Basilians</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason Coughlin was temporarily silenced?

    <p>His operating permit was denied.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin supported the Neutrality Acts during the lead-up to World War II.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What propaganda technique was illustrated using Coughlin's radio talks?

    <p>The effects of propaganda against democracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin's publication ________ ceased publication as a result of pressure from the U.S. government.

    <p>Social Justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match Coughlin's political affiliations with their descriptions:

    <p>Fascism = Praised by an Italian fascist newspaper Christian Front = Group associated with anti-government plotting Isolationism = Opposition to U.S. involvement in WWII Antisemitism = Accusations regarding Jewish bankers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) take in response to Coughlin?

    <p>They ratified a code limiting controversial individuals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin completely disassociated himself from the Christian Front.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did Coughlin's radio program 'Golden Hour' get canceled?

    <p>1940</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin was known for blaming ________ bankers for the 1917 October Revolution.

    <p>Jewish</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the developments with the corresponding years:

    <p>1939 = Institute for Propaganda Analysis publication 1940 = Cancellation of Golden Hour 1941 = Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor 1942 = Suspension of Social Justice mailing privilege</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What led to increased public scrutiny of Coughlin following Pearl Harbor?

    <p>His anti-interventionist stance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Pope Francis designated the Shrine of the Little Flower as a minor basilica in 2015.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ideology did Coughlin criticize that was opposed by the Catholic Church?

    <p>Socialism and Soviet Communism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Coughlin's radio broadcasts made Norman Lear increasingly aware of widespread ________ in society.

    <p>antisemitism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Charles Coughlin: Radio Priest and Demagogue

    • Charles Edward Coughlin, known as "The Radio Priest," was a Canadian-American Catholic priest active in the US, primarily near Detroit.
    • He founded the National Shrine of the Little Flower.
    • During the 1930s, Coughlin's weekly radio broadcasts reached an estimated 30 million listeners in a US population of about 120 million.
    • Coughlin initially supported Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal but later clashed with Roosevelt, accusing him of being too close to bankers.

    Political Activism

    • In 1934, Coughlin established the National Union for Social Justice (NUSJ).
    • The NUSJ advocated monetary reforms, nationalizing key industries and railroads, and protecting labor rights.
    • Coughlin's popularity and NUSJ membership reached millions but lacked strong local organization.
    • His broadcasts transitioned to antisemitic commentary, attacking Jewish bankers.
    • He later expressed support for Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.

    Radio Career and Controversies

    • Coughlin leveraged his radio show, "Golden Hour," to promote his political agenda, shifting away from religious sermons.
    • CBS initially broadcast his program, but later revoked his contract due to his political views and attacks on the Hoover administration.
    • He established an independent radio network due to CBS's actions.
    • Controversial content led to the cancellation of "Golden Hour" and ultimately contributed to prohibitions from broadcasting.
    • His radio network was one of the largest of its type in the U.S.

    Opposition and Decline

    • The Catholic Church hierarchy eventually condemned Coughlin's antisemitic rhetoric and political stances.
    • The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) intervened, imposing script review regulations.
    • The US government imposed further sanctions, particularly regarding the mailing of his publication "Social Justice".
    • Coughlin ultimately ceased his political activism and broadcasting activities to limit conflict with the government.

    Personal History

    • Coughlin was born in Hamilton, Ontario, to Irish Catholic parents.
    • He studied at St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, and joined the Basilian Fathers.
    • His religious order required changes, leading to Coughlin seeking a transfer to the Archdiocese of Detroit.
    • He was involved in a physical altercation and later served as a parish priest before his retirement.

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    Explore the life and influence of Charles Coughlin, the controversial Radio Priest of the 1930s. Learn about his rise to fame, his political activism, and the shifts in his ideology that sparked nationwide debate. Understand his impact on American society and his controversial stance against various groups.

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