The Nazi Conspiracy

1. FDR's Leadership Defined Allied Strategy Amidst Global Conflict

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Roosevelt's Focus. President Franklin D. Roosevelt navigated the complexities of World War II by prioritizing aid to the United Kingdom and later, the Soviet Union, while initially facing strong isolationist sentiment at home. His leadership was crucial in shaping the Allied response to both Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, even when public opinion lagged behind the urgency of the global threat.

Pearl Harbor's Impact. The attack on Pearl Harbor galvanized the American public and allowed Roosevelt to unite the nation in a declaration of war against Japan. This event shifted the global balance of power and brought the United States fully into the conflict, transforming its role from a provider of aid to an active participant.

Unconditional Surrender. Roosevelt's declaration of "unconditional surrender" at the Casablanca Conference set a firm Allied policy, signaling a commitment to the total defeat of the Axis powers. This decision, though controversial, solidified the Allied resolve and framed the war as a battle against ideologies of conquest and subjugation.

2. Nazi Ideology Fueled a War of Extermination

As nationalists we oppose the Jews because we see the Hebrews as the eternal enemy of our national honor and our national freedom.

Core Tenets. Nazi ideology, rooted in extreme patriotism, racial hatred, and conspiracy theories, drove Germany's war effort and its systematic persecution of "undesirables." This ideology demonized minority groups, particularly the Jewish people, and fueled mass atrocities that went far beyond the scope of ordinary warfare.

The "Jewish Problem." The Nazi regime's obsession with solving what they termed "the Jewish problem" led to the creation of an apparatus of mass slaughter, known as the Final Solution. This horrific plan aimed to eliminate the Jewish population of Europe through forced labor, mass executions, and extermination camps.

Widespread Complicity. The implementation of the Final Solution required the participation of countless individuals, from government officials to ordinary citizens. This widespread complicity highlights the insidious nature of Nazi ideology and its ability to corrupt entire societies.

3. The Tehran Conference: A High-Stakes Gamble for Allied Unity

If the Nazis have their way, these three world leaders won’t leave the city alive—and the Allied hopes for victory will die with them.

Strategic Importance. The Tehran Conference in November 1943 marked the first in-person meeting of the "Big Three" Allied leaders: Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin. This summit was crucial for coordinating military strategy and solidifying the alliance against Nazi Germany, but it also presented significant security risks.

Nazi Assassination Plot. The threat of a Nazi assassination plot loomed over the conference, prompting elaborate security measures and a high-stakes game of deception. The potential loss of the Allied leaders would have had catastrophic consequences for the war effort.

Conflicting Agendas. Despite the shared goal of defeating Nazi Germany, the Big Three had differing agendas and priorities. Roosevelt aimed to foster a personal relationship with Stalin and secure Soviet commitment to the war in the Pacific, while Churchill sought to protect British interests and maintain control over the Mediterranean theater.

4. Deception and Betrayal Complicate the Allied Alliance

I know you will not mind my being brutally frank when I tell you that I think that I can personally handle Stalin better than either your Foreign Office or my State Department.

Roosevelt's Maneuvering. President Roosevelt often pursued independent diplomatic channels with Stalin, sometimes excluding Churchill, in an effort to foster trust and cooperation. This approach, while intended to strengthen the alliance, created tensions and distrust between the Allied leaders.

The Second Front Debate. The ongoing debate over the timing and location of a second front in Europe strained relations between the Allies. Stalin repeatedly pressed for an immediate invasion of France, while Churchill favored a more cautious approach through the Mediterranean, leading to accusations of bad faith and broken promises.

Stalin's Distrust. Stalin's deep-seated distrust of the Western Allies, stemming from historical grievances and ideological differences, made it difficult to forge a truly unified strategy. This distrust was exacerbated by the delays in opening a second front and the perceived lack of commitment to the Soviet war effort.

5. A Web of Espionage Surrounds the Tehran Summit

Perhaps one has to learn first to suffer the lies—little and big which even the best friend is capable of telling to be able to get on with the people.

Nazi Spy in Tehran. Nazi agent Franz Mayr, operating undercover in Tehran, built a pro-German network and sought to disrupt Allied control. His activities, though ultimately unsuccessful, highlight the persistent threat of Nazi subversion and espionage in the region.

Double Agents and Deception. The complex web of espionage surrounding the Tehran Conference involved double agents, coded messages, and elaborate schemes. These clandestine activities underscore the high stakes of the summit and the constant threat of betrayal.

The Cicero Affair. The "Cicero Affair," involving a British ambassador's valet who sold secret documents to the Germans, provided valuable intelligence to the Nazis. This breach of security highlights the vulnerability of even the most secure diplomatic channels.

6. The Rescue of Mussolini: A Propaganda Victory with Limited Impact

You have performed a military feat which will become part of history. You have given me back my friend Mussolini.

Skorzeny's Audacity. Otto Skorzeny's daring rescue of Benito Mussolini from a mountaintop prison was a propaganda coup for the Nazis. This operation, though militarily insignificant, boosted morale and showcased the capabilities of German Special Forces.

Limited Strategic Value. Despite the propaganda value, Mussolini's rescue had little impact on the overall course of the war. The event primarily served to reinforce the image of Hitler as a loyal ally and to distract from Germany's growing military setbacks.

Skorzeny's Rise. The success of the Mussolini rescue catapulted Skorzeny to fame and solidified his reputation as a daring and resourceful commander. This recognition led to new opportunities and responsibilities within the Nazi regime.

7. The Tehran Plot: Fact, Fiction, and Enduring Mystery

The whole world is watching for this meeting of the three of us. The fact that you and Churchill and I have got to know each other personally will have far reaching effect on the good opinion within our three nations and will assist in the further disturbance of Nazi morale.

Conflicting Accounts. The alleged Nazi plot to assassinate the Big Three at Tehran remains shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts and a lack of definitive evidence. While Soviet sources claimed to have thwarted the plot, British and American officials expressed skepticism.

Soviet Motives. Some historians argue that the Soviets may have exaggerated or fabricated the plot to manipulate Roosevelt and gain greater control over the conference. This theory suggests that the Soviets used the threat of assassination to pressure Roosevelt into moving to the Soviet embassy, allowing them to eavesdrop on his conversations.

The Enduring Enigma. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the possibility of a Nazi assassination plot adds a layer of intrigue and danger to the Tehran Conference. The truth may never be fully known, but the story serves as a reminder of the high stakes and the constant threat of betrayal during World War II.

8. The Unfolding Aftermath: Death, Justice, and Lingering Questions

We have learned that we cannot live alone at peace, that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations far away.

Allied Victory. The Allied victory in World War II brought an end to the Nazi regime and its campaign of terror. However, the war left a legacy of devastation and loss that would continue to shape the world for decades to come.

Justice and Accountability. The Nuremberg trials sought to hold Nazi leaders accountable for their war crimes and atrocities. While some were sentenced to death, others, like Walter Schellenberg, received more lenient punishments, raising questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the justice system.

Lingering Questions. Despite the Allied victory and the pursuit of justice, many questions about the Tehran plot and other wartime events remain unanswered. The complexities of espionage, the fog of war, and the conflicting agendas of the Allied powers continue to obscure the full truth.

Last updated: February 27, 2025