National Union for Social Justice (organization)

The National Union for Social Justice (NUSJ) was a political organization founded in the United States in 1936 by Father Charles Coughlin, a Roman Catholic priest known for his radio broadcasts. The NUSJ's platform, articulated in what was known as the "Sixteen Principles," advocated for monetary reforms, nationalization of key industries, and protectionist trade policies.

Coughlin's broadcasts, which reached a large audience during the Great Depression, initially focused on economic recovery and criticizing the Hoover administration. However, they increasingly incorporated anti-Semitic sentiments and conspiracy theories. The NUSJ, while initially attracting a following among disgruntled Americans, became increasingly associated with Coughlin's controversial views.

The organization's influence peaked in the 1936 presidential election when it supported the third-party candidacy of William Lemke. Lemke's campaign failed to gain significant traction, and the NUSJ subsequently declined in prominence.

Following the outbreak of World War II, Coughlin's broadcasts were scrutinized due to their pro-fascist and anti-Semitic content. Facing pressure from the Catholic Church and the Roosevelt administration, Coughlin was eventually ordered to cease his broadcasts in 1942, effectively dismantling the National Union for Social Justice.

The NUSJ is remembered for its association with populist discontent during the Great Depression, its advocacy for radical economic policies, and its controversial connection to anti-Semitism and political extremism. Its legacy remains a subject of debate and historical analysis.