Thousands Attend Pro-Nazi Rally at Madison Square Garden

The 1939 event was held by the German American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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On February 20, 1939, more than 20,000 people attended a rally held by the German American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization, at New York's Madison Square Garden. The rally was one of the largest gatherings of Nazi supporters in the United States at the time.

Why it matters

The pro-Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden highlighted the presence of Nazi sympathizers in the United States in the years leading up to World War II, raising concerns about the spread of fascist ideology and the potential threat to American democracy.

The details

The German American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization, organized the rally at Madison Square Garden, which featured speeches and displays promoting Nazi ideology. The event drew a large crowd, with estimates ranging from 16,000 to 22,000 attendees.

  • The rally took place on February 20, 1939.

The players

German American Bund

A pro-Nazi organization that organized the rally at Madison Square Garden.

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The takeaway

The pro-Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden highlighted the presence of Nazi sympathizers in the United States and the potential threat to American democracy in the years leading up to World War II.