"The International Jew" is a four-volume set of antisemitic articles published in the early 1920s by Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. Ford's writings were first published in the newspaper he owned, The Dearborn Independent, from 1920 to 1922. The articles propagated various conspiracy theories about Jewish people, alleging they were responsible for numerous societal problems, including economic manipulation, political intrigue, and cultural degradation.
Ford's writings drew upon long-standing antisemitic tropes and stereotypes, portraying Jews as a secretive and malevolent force undermining the fabric of society. Despite the lack of credible evidence to support his claims, Ford's stature as an industrialist and his widespread popularity lent credibility to these ideas for some of his readers.
"The International Jew" has been widely condemned for its antisemitism and has been cited as influential in the spread of antisemitic beliefs in the United States and beyond. While Ford later expressed regret for the series and publicly apologized, the damage had already been done, and his writings continue to be cited by antisemitic groups to this day. It's a troubling reminder of how influential figures can misuse their platforms to spread harmful ideas.
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