The Secret History Of The American Left From Mussolini To The Politics Of

Throughout the history of the United States, the political left has played a significant role in shaping the nation's policies and ideologies. From its early days in the late 19th century to the present, the American left has undergone various transformations and faced numerous challenges. However, what many may not be aware of is the secret history that exists within this movement.

One of the most intriguing chapters in the secret history of the American left is its relationship with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. In the early 20th century, Mussolini rose to power with his fascist ideology that aimed to fuse nationalism with socialism. Surprisingly, some leftist intellectuals in the United States saw potential in Mussolini's vision and were intrigued by his leadership style.

The American left's fascination with Mussolini can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Mussolini's ability to rapidly industrialize Italy and create a sense of national pride appealed to those who were disillusioned with the slow progress of leftist movements in the United States. Additionally, his charismatic leadership appealed to those who sought a strong, centralized government to bring about radical change.

Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning

by Jonah Goldberg(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

FREE

However, as Mussolini's fascist regime revealed its true authoritarian nature, the American left distanced itself from this dangerous alliance. Many prominent left-wing figures, such as Sinclair Lewis and John Dos Passos, publicly condemned Mussolini's actions and ideology, effectively severing any ties that had been established. This marked a crucial turning point in the secret history of the American left.

Following the fallout with Mussolini, the American left underwent a period of self-reflection and reevaluation. The rise of communism as a global force influenced the left-wing movements in the United States, leading to the establishment of various communist parties and labor unions. This period witnessed intense political debates within the American left, with factions forming based on ideological differences and strategies for achieving revolutionary change.

As the World Wars brought global attention to the rise of totalitarian regimes, the American left faced further challenges. Accusations of communist infiltration and sympathies towards the Soviet Union led to a wave of anti-left sentiment in the United States, commonly referred to as the Red Scare. Thousands of left-wing activists were blacklisted, labeled as subversive, and faced persecution by government institutions.

Despite the setbacks and challenges, the American left continued its fight for social justice and progressive ideals. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s saw the left rallying behind the cause of racial equality and fighting against systemic discrimination. Figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Angela Davis emerged as prominent voices within the American left, contributing to the ongoing struggle for equal rights.

The American left's secret history is not limited to its association with Mussolini or the challenges faced during the Red Scare. It extends into its engagement with the politics of today. The left's influence on issues such as healthcare reform, income inequality, environmental conservation, and LGBTQ+ rights is undeniable. The secret history of the American left is not just a series of isolated events but an ongoing narrative of progressive activism.

, the secret history of the American left is a captivating story that spans over a century. From its flirtation with Mussolini's fascist ideology to the challenges faced during the Red Scare, the American left has continually evolved and adapted to the changing political landscape. It has been a force for social change and progress, with its impact visible in numerous spheres of American society. Understanding this secret history is crucial for comprehending the complex dynamics of contemporary American politics.

Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning

by Jonah Goldberg(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

FREE

“Fascists,” “Brownshirts,” “jackbooted stormtroopers”—such are the insults typically hurled at conservatives by their liberal opponents. Calling someone a fascist is the fastest way to shut them up, defining their views as beyond the political pale. But who are the real fascists in our midst?

Liberal Fascism offers a startling new perspective on the theories and practices that define fascist politics. Replacing conveniently manufactured myths with surprising and enlightening research, Jonah Goldberg reminds us that the original fascists were really on the left, and that liberals from Woodrow Wilson to FDR to Hillary Clinton have advocated policies and principles remarkably similar to those of Hitler's National Socialism and Mussolini's Fascism.

Contrary to what most people think, the Nazis were ardent socialists (hence the term “National socialism”). They believed in free health care and guaranteed jobs. They confiscated inherited wealth and spent vast sums on public education. They purged the church from public policy, promoted a new form of pagan spirituality, and inserted the authority of the state into every nook and cranny of daily life. The Nazis declared war on smoking, supported abortion, euthanasia, and gun control. They loathed the free market, provided generous pensions for the elderly, and maintained a strict racial quota system in their universities—where campus speech codes were all the rage. The Nazis led the world in organic farming and alternative medicine. Hitler was a strict vegetarian, and Himmler was an animal rights activist.

Do these striking parallels mean that today’s liberals are genocidal maniacs, intent on conquering the world and imposing a new racial order? Not at all. Yet it is hard to deny that modern progressivism and classical fascism shared the same intellectual roots. We often forget, for example, that Mussolini and Hitler had many admirers in the United States. W.E.B. Du Bois was inspired by Hitler's Germany, and Irving Berlin praised Mussolini in song. Many fascist tenets were espoused by American progressives like John Dewey and Woodrow Wilson, and FDR incorporated fascist policies in the New Deal.

Fascism was an international movement that appeared in different forms in different countries, depending on the vagaries of national culture and temperament. In Germany, fascism appeared as genocidal racist nationalism. In America, it took a “friendlier,” more liberal form. The modern heirs of this “friendly fascist” tradition include the New York Times, the Democratic Party, the Ivy League professoriate, and the liberals of Hollywood. The quintessential Liberal Fascist isn't an SS storm trooper; it is a female grade school teacher with an education degree from Brown or Swarthmore.

These assertions may sound strange to modern ears, but that is because we have forgotten what fascism is. In this angry, funny, smart, contentious book, Jonah Goldberg turns our preconceptions inside out and shows us the true meaning of Liberal Fascism.