>The forces of nationalism were powerfully manifesting themselves all over Europe, taking elective political power in Italy and Germany first. The National Socialist movement was particularly inspiring to Pelley, and in 1932 he began what came to be known as the Silver Shirt Legion, a group obviously patterned on those of Europe. Both the movement and its dynamic leader were popular, quickly establishing local chapters in many locations. Naturally, this frightened and alarmed the already nervous PTB. While some say that a mystical revelation revealed to Pelley that National Socialism was the proper model, when the Silver Shirts leapt into being right after Hitler was elected to power in Germany, the PTB assumed he was in direct contact with Germany, which is really unlikely. There was never any evidence of a direct connection, but his close identification with the German movement placed his name at the top of a list of PTB undesirables. It was, at most, an ideological connection. After all, they both opposed the same traditional adversary.
>The Silver Shirts grew rapidly, and rather than a central national headquarters, there were numerous regional and local chapters. Pelley, who was called the "beloved Chief by the members, traveled about the country, directing the organization from his automobile or from trains, organizing and publishing in great volume. The Silver Shirts were successful among working class citizens and veterans, but also among professional types and those who admired his spiritual and religious beliefs. It is hard to say how many members the movement actually had as the supposed totals often reflect the intentions of those who publish them, but it was likely around 25,000. The total might be 100,000 or even more if you count subscribers to diverse Pelley publications who weren't members, and other sympathizers at various levels. Regardless of the actual number of those who followed the Chief, it was more than enough to alarm the PTB.