April 14, 1958
A United States federal court rules that poet Ezra Pound, who was charged with treason after World War II due to his pro-fascist radio broadcasts in Italy, is to be released from St. Elizabeths Hospital for the Insane, where he had been confined since 1945.
Washington, D.C., United States | United States federal court
On April 14, 1958, a significant ruling by a United States federal court determined that Ezra Pound, the renowned American poet and literary figure, would be released from St. Elizabeths Hospital for the Insane in Washington, D.C. This decision concluded Pound’s prolonged confinement that began in 1945 after the end of World War II. Pound was originally charged with treason due to his controversial radio broadcasts in Italy, during which he espoused pro-fascist and anti-Semitic views.
During the war, Pound lived in Italy and became infamous for his radio broadcasts, which were supportive of the Fascist regime led by Benito Mussolini. His messages condemned the Allied war effort and included anti-US and anti-Semitic rhetoric. As a result, Pound was arrested by American forces in 1945, and upon his return to the United States, he was charged with treason.
Instead of standing trial, Pound was found mentally unfit to face charges and was interned at St. Elizabeths Hospital. This was a controversial decision, reflecting both the authorities’ desire to avoid a potentially sensational trial and the complex interplay of legal and mental health considerations.
Pound’s release came after a series of advocacy efforts and public opinion shifts. Notably, pressure from prominent figures in the literary community played a role in reevaluating his confinement. By 1958, mental health assessments and changing perceptions of his threat to public safety led the court to rule that he no longer posed a danger to himself or others.
Following his release, Pound returned to Italy, where he spent the remainder of his life. His case remains a fascinating study of the intersection of art, politics, and mental health, reflecting the broader tensions of the Cold War era and post-war society’s grappling with complex issues of justice, freedom of expression, and accountability for wartime actions.
Pound’s legacy as a poet is often overshadowed by his wartime activities and subsequent legal troubles, yet his works continue to be studied and debated for their artistic innovation and controversial legacy.
Source: www.loc.gov