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Why did Captain America often fight Nazis in early Marvel comics?

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Christopher Reeve as Superman flies over a city at night, wearing a blue suit with a red cape and yellow belt, from the 1978 film Superman. — Superhero Christopher Reeve in *Superman* (1978).

Captain America was created in 1941 by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby as a patriotic symbol to protect American interests during the era of World War II. His frequent battles against Nazis were a direct reflection of the geopolitical climate of the time, as the character was designed to embody American resistance against the Axis powers even before the United States officially entered the conflict following the attack on Pearl Harbor.12

These stories served as straightforward, enthusiastic tales of "Nazi-bashing" that resonated with readers, establishing the character as a premier "superpatriot" of the Golden Age. By fighting fictionalized versions of German soldiers and leaders—such as the Red Skull—Captain America functioned as a heroic avatar for the war effort, helping to boost morale and foster a sense of national unity among the American public during a period of global crisis.12