A form of prejudice, discrimination, or hostility directed against Jews as an ethnic, religious, or racial group, antisemitism has deep historical roots and has manifested in various forms over centuries, ranging from religious persecution and economic discrimination to violent pogroms like Kristallnacht and, ultimately, the genocide perpetrated by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Antisemitism can manifest in stereotypes, conspiracy theories, discriminatory practices, and acts of violence against individuals or institutions associated with Jewish identity. Prequel explores the rise of antisemitism in the US leading up to World War II.

A form of government or leadership, authoritarianism is characterized by a strong central authority and limited political freedoms. In an authoritarian system, power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader, a small group of individuals, or a ruling party, often without meaningful checks and balances or democratic processes. The governing authority typically makes decisions without significant input or participation from the general population. Key features of authoritarianism include the suppression of political opposition, restrictions on civil liberties, limited freedom of expression, and a lack of independent judiciary. The leader or ruling party in an authoritarian system often maintains control through coercion, censorship, surveillance, and sometimes by using military or security forces to quash dissent.