On Fascism: 12 Lessons from American History

On Fascism exposes the authoritarian vein that runs through American history and challenges the dominant exceptional narrative that underwrites our national mythology.

America is the shining city on the hill. Our history exemplifies steady, unimpeded progress toward a more perfect union where equality, democracy, liberty, and justice are guaranteed for all.

America isn't perfect, but it's the best of all possible worlds.

This is the common tale of American exceptionalism. It is a myth that excuses our past (and our present for that matter) instead of examining it. We are not innocents. And we must stop pretending that we are.

MacWilliams offers an eye-opening examination of the authoritarian moments in our country's past and how Americans themselves may be less enlightened than the principles underwriting our national mythology--thus showing how our recent illiberal turn may be more familiar than we care to admit.