Notorious for spreading Nazi propaganda in the US through his radio broadcasts and writings, he was a controversial figure during World War II.
Robert Henry Best was a prominent American foreign correspondent who made a name for himself in the interwar period, covering significant events in Europe for various American media outlets. However, his later support for the Nazi regime and dissemination of propaganda during World War II would ultimately lead to his downfall.
Best was born on April 16, 1896, in Sumter, South Carolina, to Reverend Albert Hartwell Best, a Methodist minister. After graduating from Wofford College in 1916, Best joined the United States Army Coast Artillery Corps in October 1917 and was commissioned in 1918. He served until 1920, after which he attended the School of Journalism at Columbia University, graduating in 1922.
With the help of a Pulitzer Traveling Scholarship, Best traveled extensively in Europe, eventually settling in Vienna in 1923. He found work as a foreign freelance news correspondent for the United Press and contributed articles to publications such as The New York Times, Chicago Daily News, Time, and Newsweek. During this period, Best established himself as a prominent figure in Vienna's journalistic community, often meeting with fellow journalists at the Café Louvre, a hub for foreign correspondents.
Best's journalistic career took a dark turn when he began supporting the Nazi regime and broadcasting propaganda during World War II. His support for the Nazis led to his eventual arrest and trial for treason after the war.
In 1948, Best was put on trial for treason, and his defense rested on the claim that he was merely doing his job as a journalist. However, the prosecution argued that his actions constituted an overt act of treason. Ultimately, Best was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Best served his sentence until his death on December 16, 1952. His legacy is marked by controversy, and his actions during World War II continue to be a topic of debate among historians and scholars.
Best's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of propaganda and the importance of journalistic integrity.
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