Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism

Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the US faced unprecedented economic challenges that affected every facet of society. This era of profound hardship provides crucial historical context for understanding the story presented in Prequel.

The Great Depression, triggered by the stock market crash of 1929, plunged the nation into a deep and prolonged economic downturn. The ensuing unemployment, poverty, and despair laid bare the vulnerabilities of the American system, fostering a climate of discontent and social upheaval. Within this crucible of adversity, extremist ideologies found a foothold, exploiting the collective disillusionment and sowing seeds of radicalization.

In response to the unprecedented crisis, President Roosevelt introduced the New Deal—a series of comprehensive economic reforms and social programs designed to alleviate the suffering of the American people. The New Deal not only aimed to address immediate economic concerns but also sought to reshape the social contract between the government and its citizens. As Prequel unfolds, the impact of these transformative policies becomes integral to understanding the complex interplay between economic hardship, political ideologies, and the rise of fascism in the US.

While some US citizens believed that the New Deal went too far, others believed it didn’t go far enough. Some far-right extremists attacked the New Deal as a form of communism, and much of the ire of fascist and pro-Nazi groups in the US was directed toward Roosevelt. Other political figures, including the far-left proto-dictator Huey Long, rode a wave of populism that gathered strength after the Great Depression, when many citizens were left feeling that the government had not done enough to protect them from hardship and economic inequality.