By 1939, 30,000 intellectuals and radicals, 80% of whom were Jewish, were exiled from Europe, seeking refuge in the United States. This mass exodus brought many of the 20th century's greatest minds to Los Angeles, where they transformed Southern California into a hub of world culture and profoundly impacted American music, literature, and the arts. The warm Mediterranean climate, Hollywood's employment opportunities, and the presence of other exiled artists drew them to California. Many musicians found work in movie studios, but their influence was more significant in universities, concerts, and the city's musical sophistication.
Shadows in Paradise: Hitler's Exiles in Hollywood
The influx of 30,000 intellectuals and radicals, mostly Jewish, into the United States by 1939 had a profound impact, resulting in the forced exile of many of the 20th century's most brilliant minds.
