Talk with Dorothy Thompson

Dorothy Thompson was an American journalist and radio broadcaster, renowned for her influence as a political commentator and her opposition to Adolf Hitler and Nazism. Born on July 9, 1893, in Lancaster, New York, she grew into her role as a foreign correspondent and later as a columnist in a career that spanned several decades.

Thompson's journalism career took off in the 1920s and 1930s, during which she was stationed in Europe. She became the first female head of a news bureau of an international news service when she worked for the New York Evening Post in Europe, and later wrote for the Universal News Service. Her interviews of numerous political figures of the time included one with Adolf Hitler in 1931, prior to his rise to power. After this meeting, she became increasingly critical of Hitler and wrote extensively on the dangers of his regime.

In 1934, Thompson was expelled from Germany by the Nazi government because of her outspoken critiques, a move that significantly raised her profile back in the United States. Upon her return, she continued her journalism and public commentary, focusing on the threats posed by fascism and other totalitarian ideologies. She wrote a syndicated newspaper column, "On the Record," and was also a frequent contributor to radio broadcasts.

Thompson was also known for her advocacy of women's rights and other social issues. She was married to Sinclair Lewis, a Nobel Prize-winning novelist, from 1928 until their divorce in 1942, which also brought her personal life into the public spotlight.

By the time of her death on January 30, 1961, Dorothy Thompson had become one of the most respected and influential journalists in the United States, remembered both for her fierce political stands and her contributions to international journalism.

Dorothy Thompson's activism, particularly in the areas of journalism and political commentary, left a long-lasting impact that influenced later generations in several significant ways:

1. Advocacy in Journalism: Thompson was a trailblazer for women in journalism and set precedents for candor and integrity in reporting. Her fearless critiques, especially of fascism and totalitarian regimes, validated the role of journalists as crucial watchdogs of democracy. This has motivated generations of journalists to pursue truth with rigor and bravery.

2. Anti-Fascist Ideals: During a time when fascism was spreading across Europe, Thompson was one of its staunch critics. Her early recognition of the dangers posed by leaders like Adolf Hitler characterized her as a forward-thinking analyst whose writings and speeches helped in shaping public opinion. Her staunch opposition to authoritarianism continues to resonate with and influence those who advocate for democracy and human rights.

3. Role Model for Women: As one of the first women to gain international prominence in journalism, Thompson broke gender barriers and served as an inspiration for future generations of women in media and other fields. Her legacy encourages continual challenges to the gender status quo, advocating for a more inclusive perspective in global discourse.

4. Public Intellectualism: Thompson's influence extended into her role as a public intellectual. Through her widely read columns and public speaking, she demonstrated the power of media platforms in influencing politics and public policy. This has underscored the importance for commentators and intellectuals to engage actively with the public, fostering a culture where informed debate forms part of the democratic process.

5. Global Perspective: Her international reporting brought global issues to an American audience, urging an informed and nuanced view of world affairs. This has contributed to a broader understanding and interest in international relations among the American public and journalists.

Thompson’s work and her outspoken nature carved pathways in advocacy, media, and public consciousness, setting a valuable example for those looking to affect societal change through journalism and public engagement.

Dorothy Thompson was a pioneering figure in journalism, particularly noted for being one of the first American women to achieve national prominence in the field. Her influence on women's roles in media is significant for several reasons:

1. Breaking Barriers: Thompson's career itself was a testament to breaking gender barriers in a field dominated by men. She became the head of the Berlin bureau of the New York Evening Post in 1927, at a time when such positions were rarely held by women. Her role involved reporting on the rise of Nazi Germany, showcasing her ability to handle complex and dangerous international reporting.

2. Public Persona: Dorothy Thompson was not just a journalist but a public intellectual who frequently appeared on radio broadcasts, wrote for major publications, and was involved in public speaking, thereby setting a precedent for women in roles of public analysis and opinion-making.

3. Advocacy and Impact: Thompson used her platform to advocate for issues she believed in, including democracy and anti-fascism. Her outspokenness and political commentary, including her early warnings about the dangers of Adolf Hitler, demonstrated that women could wield influence and shape public opinion through the media.

4. Inspiration to Others: Her success and visibility inspired other women to enter and persevere in the field of journalism. She showed that women could achieve respect and authority in media.

Overall, Dorothy Thompson helped to pave the way for future generations of women in journalism and media, proving that they could take on significant issues and lead public discourse. Her legacy is evident in the increased presence and influence of women in all areas of media today.

Dorothy Thompson was an influential journalist and commentator during the first half of the 20th century, and her published works reflect her deep engagement with political and social issues. Some of her most famous publications include:

1. "I Saw Hitler!" (1932) - This is perhaps one of her most famous articles, written after her interview with Adolf Hitler. In this piece, Thompson was skeptical of Hitler’s rhetoric and ambitions, presciently warning about the dangers he posed.

2. "The Crisis in Austria" (1934) - This series of articles was written during Thompson's time in Vienna, providing an eyewitness account of the political upheaval and tension in Austria before the Anschluss with Nazi Germany.

3. Books such as "The New Russia" (1928), which delved into the transformations in Soviet Russia. This book combined her journalistic observations with deep analysis, providing insights into the Soviet state under Stalin.

4. "Let the Record Speak" (1939) - In this book, Thompson compiled a collection of speeches and writings that critically evaluated the Nazi regime from its rise to the onset of World War II.

In addition to her singular publications, Thompson was a prolific writer of newspaper columns and articles, often syndicated across American and international publications. Her outspoken views in "On the Record," a daily column in the New York Herald Tribune, also contributed significantly to her reputation as one of the most influential female journalists of her time. These columns frequently addressed critical issues of war, democracy, and human rights, influencing public opinion and policy discussions.

Dorothy Thompson, widely recognized for her journalism and public intellectual work, also made significant contributions as an author. While she is best known for her influence in journalism and political commentary, she authored several books that further explored her insights into political and social issues. Some notable books by Dorothy Thompson include:

1. "I Saw Hitler!" - This book compiles her observations and predictions about the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazism, stemming from her direct experiences in Germany.

2. "The Courage to be Happy" - In this work, Thompson explores the concept of personal and political liberty, discussing how the courage to pursue true happiness is inherently tied to freedom.

3. "Let the Record Speak" - This book is a detailed criticism of isolationist policies in the United States before World War II, advocating for a more engaged American stance in global affairs.

These works underline Dorothy Thompson's commitment to exploring complex political landscapes and her advocacy for democratic values and human rights. Her writing not only provided contemporary analyses but continues to offer valuable insights into the challenges of her time.

Dorothy Thompson was expelled from Germany in 1934 due to her critical reporting on the Nazi regime. She was the first American journalist to be expelled from Nazi Germany. Thompson was an outspoken critic of Adolf Hitler, and her journalism did not shy away from highlighting the dangers and oppressive nature of his regime. Her expulsion was a direct response to her critical views and her influence as a journalist, as the Nazis were sensitive to international perceptions and criticism.

Dorothy Thompson interviewed Adolf Hitler in 1931. This interview was pivotal as it helped elevate her status as a journalist. Following the interview and her observations of the political changes in Germany, Thompson became increasingly critical of Hitler and his policies, warning of the dangers posed by his rise to power. She was one of the first American journalists to recognize and write about the threat Hitler posed to democracy and world peace.

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