Walter Higgins

Walter Higgins, born George William Christians, was an American engineer and political activist known for his controversial and often contradictory views on economics and governance. After suffering significant financial losses during the Wall Street crash of 1929, he became an outspoken advocate for economic liberty, launching a campaign that included founding the American Reds, which he later renamed the American Fascists as fascism gained traction globally. His activities included the establishment of the Crusader White Shirts, an organization that aligned itself with fascist ideologies, and he was known for his provocative statements that often blurred the lines between extreme political positions. Higgins's radicalism drew both attention and criticism, particularly for his defense of figures like Nazi Oscar C. Pfaus and his self-identification as a fervent communist. He famously claimed to be so 'red' that he made Russian communists appear conservative. His activities culminated in his arrest in 1942 for sending seditious material to U.S. Army officers, making him the first person convicted under such charges during World War II. Sentenced to five years in prison, Higgins's legacy is marked by his complex relationship with American political movements and his role in the discourse surrounding economic and political liberty during a tumultuous period in U.S. history.