Hidden Among Us : Analyzing Public Reaction to the Secret Use of Nazi Scientists by the United States Government

Abstract

Between the years of 1945 to 1959, following the conclusion of World War II, the United States government brought roughly 1,600 Nazi scientists to America. Done out of “national interest,” these scientists would assist and make major contributions to their respective fields such as involvement in the Apollo 11 moon landing, advancement of medicine, and aircraft engineering. This was done in secret, codenamed “Operation Paperclip,” and later aroused much controversy amongst the American public. By engaging with various academic journals, political cartoons, and newspaper articles from 1946 through the present, this paper analyzes the public reception of the United States government using ardent Nazis to advance multiple aspects of society. Research suggests that the public was disappointed in the fact that the United States government used and forgave Nazis, looking past noteworthy achievements in multiple fields.