"The International Jew: The World's Problem" - Published in Henry Ford's Dearborn Independent
Henry Ford, one of the most influential industrialists in American history, is often celebrated for revolutionizing the automobile industry with the assembly line and making cars affordable for the average American. His legacy, however, is also marred by his deep-seated antisemitism, which he propagated through his newspaper, the Dearborn Independent, and his endorsement of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a notorious antisemitic forgery.
Ford’s antisemitism was not a passing prejudice but a deeply ingrained belief that shaped his public and private life. He subscribed to the conspiracy theory that Jews were responsible for many of society’s ills, particularly in finance, media, and politics. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who might have harbored antisemitic views privately, Ford actively used his influence and wealth to spread these ideas to the public. His views on Jews were shaped in part by his belief that they undermined traditional values and economic independence, which he saw as essential to American success.
In 1919, Ford purchased the Dearborn Independent, a small newspaper that he transformed into a national platform for his antisemitic views. Under his direction, the paper published a series of articles that promoted anti-Jewish conspiracy theories, portraying Jews as the masterminds behind economic and political unrest. One of the most infamous series was titled The International Jew: The World’s Foremost Problem, which ran from 1920 to 1922 and was later compiled into a four-volume book. These writings falsely accused Jews of controlling international finance, orchestrating wars for their own benefit, and undermining Christian civilization.
Ford ensured that The Dearborn Independent reached a wide audience, distributing it through his car dealerships across the country. By 1926, the newspaper had a circulation of nearly 900,000, making it one of the most widely read publications in America. The impact of these publications extended beyond the United States, with The International Jew being translated into multiple languages and influencing antisemitic ideologies in Europe, including those of Adolf Hitler, who praised Ford in Mein Kampf.
One of the most damaging aspects of Ford’s antisemitic campaign was his promotion of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a fabricated document that purported to reveal a Jewish plan for world domination. Originally published in Tsarist Russia in the early 20th century, the Protocols were quickly debunked as a hoax. Nevertheless, Ford and his newspaper treated the document as authentic, using it to validate their claims about a global Jewish conspiracy.
The Protocols had already been discredited by journalists and scholars, yet Ford’s endorsement lent them newfound legitimacy, particularly in the United States. He published excerpts from the Protocols in the Dearborn Independent, and his anti-Jewish writings drew heavily from the document’s false claims. This dissemination helped spread the Protocols to a broader audience, fueling antisemitic sentiment both in the U.S. and internationally.
Ford’s antisemitic campaign eventually led to public backlash and legal challenges. In 1927, a lawsuit brought by Jewish lawyer Aaron Sapiro threatened to expose Ford’s role in the paper’s operations. Under growing pressure, Ford issued a public apology, claiming he had been unaware of the content published in The Dearborn Independent and blaming his subordinates. However, historians generally agree that Ford’s apology was insincere, as he continued to harbor antisemitic beliefs privately.
Despite his formal retraction, the damage had already been done. The Dearborn Independent ceased publication in 1927, but the ideas it promoted endured, influencing later antisemitic propaganda, including Nazi ideology. The widespread dissemination of these ideas played a role in fostering antisemitism in the 20th century, demonstrating the powerful and harmful impact that influential figures can have when they propagate hate.
Ford’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of using media and influence to spread bigotry. It underscores the importance of challenging and exposing falsehoods, particularly those that seek to marginalize and scapegoat communities. Though Ford’s industrial achievements are undeniable, his role in promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories remains an inescapable part of his historical legacy. Henry Ford stated:
