On Fascism

12 Lessons from American History

By: Matthew C. MacWilliams

Narrated by: Kevin Stillwell

An expert on American authoritarianism offers a searing rebuke of the exceptional narrative that dominates our understanding of US history. In 12 lessons, Matthew C. MacWilliams' On Fascism exposes the divisive rhetoric, strongman tactics, violent othering, and authoritarian attitudes that course through American history and compete with our egalitarian, democratic aspirations. Trumpism isn’t new, but rooted in our refusal to come to terms with this historical reality.

The United States of Lyncherdom, as Mark Twain labeled America. Lincoln versus Douglas. The Chinese Exclusion Act. The Trail of Tears. The internment of Japanese-Americans. The Palmer Raids. McCarthyism. The Surveillance State. At turning points throughout history, as we aspired toward great things, we also witnessed the authoritarian impulse drive policy and win public support. Only by confronting and reconciling this past, can America move forward into a future rooted in the motto of our Republic since 1782: e pluribus unum (out of many, one).

But this audiobook isn’t simply an indictment. It is also a celebration of our spirit, perseverance, and commitment to the values at the heart of the American project. Along the way, we learn about many American heroes – like Ida B. Wells, who dedicated her life to documenting the horrors of lynching throughout the nation, or the young Jewish-American who took a beating for protesting a Nazi rally in New York City in 1939. Men and women who embodied the soaring, revolutionary proclamations set forth in the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution.

On Fascism is both an honest reckoning and a call for reconciliation. Denial and division will not save the Republic, but coming to terms with our history might.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Griffin

Concise view of Fascism & Authoritarianism

Well written. The narration was excellent.
I highly recommend this book.
A good summary of currant events and past history also giving posible solutions to remedy our lost Democratic Republic.

Interesting Read

A decisive look at America's wrought history and the relationship between bigotry & authoritarianism.

Important and fascinating work - highly recommended

As our American system has become more polarized, it’s important to have objective, fact based and sober answers about a way forward that preserves the promise of our nation. That we are all created equal and thus should have equal rights and protections. This work delivers on helping to understand this promise and its fragility. Well done and highly recommended.

worst book Ever purchased on Audible

delusional BS sold as history and fact. A Cersei Lannister quality truth if there is any here.