John Birch

John Birch was an American missionary and intelligence officer known for his anti-communist activism during the Cold War era. He worked in China and was involved in efforts to oppose communist influence, which contributed to the formation of the John Birch Society—a conservative organization advocating for strong anti-communist policies in the U.S. Birch’s legacy is controversial, with some viewing him as a dedicated patriot and others criticizing his extreme views. His life highlights early Cold War tensions and the rise of ideological activism in American politics.