"On Fascism: 12 Lessons from American History" is a compelling and urgent call to action that offers readers a deeper understanding of the dangers of fascism and the importance of defending democracy. MacWilliams examines historical events such as the rise of Nazism in Germany, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the civil rights movement of the 1960s, as well as more recent developments such as the rise of populist movements and the erosion of democratic norms. Whether a scholar, activist, or concerned citizen, this book offers valuable insights and inspiration for understanding the background of current political realities.

This book is an important, critical read for today’s world. The author has written about twelve times in American history where our democratic system has been tested by authoritarianism and fascism.

The book reminds us that authoritarianism and fascism are not new threats to democracy. We still need to be aware of it, recognize it, and fight against it. Also, the author points out that this is not just something that lies just on one side with one group. He details all of this within the book.

This is a quick read at about 200 pages and was written in clear & concise language for everyone to understand.

Thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It could have been a good book. It could have been a useful book. Maybe it even had a protentional to be an eye-opening book. However, it is neither of these things. The author allowed his own personal biases and personal hatred for Trump to blatantly disregard, twist, and omit both historical and current events if they do not fit his own view and don't support his feelings.

On Facism is an incredibly timely and urgent book. Americans have a tendency to paint our history as well as our current culture in the rosiest possible light, ignoring the fact that much of what we have been built on is leaning into facism. MacWilliams makes a strong case for his viewpoints. It's an alarming but imperative read.

I feel like Fascism is a word that is used a lot without really understanding what it means. This book does a great job explaining what it means and providing meaningful examples. What I really liked about this book was that the overall message was positive, about overcoming these challenges. It will be intensely difficult, but there is hope.

A passionate critique of the notion of "American exceptionalism". MacWilliams has written a lucid, accessible, and engaging re-examination of American history and politics, identifying the authoritarian impulse that has, at times, driven policy and won public support. The author does this by examining 12 important moments in American history. This is not solely a critique, however, as MacWilliams also identifies and examines the impact of select Americans who have confronted, battled, and strived to push against this authoritarian impulse.

A valuable book, especially today. Very highly recommended. A must read.

MacWilliams' book could also be titled: "12 Instances of America Behaving Badly." Each of the 12 'lessons' details a time in the history of the US when there have been elements of fascism. These range from the lynching of African Americans to the Japanese American internment camps during World War II. This was a book that made these events in history (even specific ones that I didn't have a lot of background on) immensely accessible. MacWilliams also did an amazing job tying in the mistakes we've made in the past directly to how our current White House administration is acting in a fascist or authoritarian stance. This book was well-researched and insightful, but unfortunately, it left me feeling rather depressed. It doesn't seem as though we've done much to learn from our country's troubled past. I worry that we're doomed to repeat a lot of these injustices (since that seems to be what we're already doing). I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a clearer understanding of fascism in the US and who would like to learn of connections between the past and present day examples of fascist behavior by our government.

<i>Our fervent belief in the myth of American exceptionalism persuades us that we are uniquely immune to the activation of authoritarianism. Some of us contend that we are different from people in every other country in the world.

We are not.</i>

Many people, both within and outside the United States believe that Trump is as aberration. In his book On Fascism author Matthew CC Mac Williams, as the subtitle suggests, looks at '12 lessons from American history', interspersed with statistics on beliefs held by Americans today, to show this is untrue; that, in fact, the US has flirted with authoritarianism right from the beginning and it will not end with Trump's removal from office. As he shows, US democracy is much more fragile than most want to believe and it will take a conscious effort including a real reckoning with the past if it is to survive.

On Fascism is a short but well-written and -researched book in language that is easily accessible to those without background in either US history or the politics of authoritarianism. It is a timely and important book and I urge, not only Americans, but others outside the US to read it.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and St martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

Wow this book is a reality checker right from the start with alarming statistics. Just to present a couple (enough to be a shock!):

46% of Americans are inconsistent supporters of democracy and democratic institutions
34% of Americans agree it is more important to follow the will of the people today than the principles laid out in the U.S. Constitution

And that's just two of them! This book goes over twelve lessons from our history that we really need to learn from. In a time when we are so divided and have a leader that tests the limits of the Constitution it is imperative people open their eyes, wake up and see the reality in which we live. The author makes it clear that all of our hands are dirty- not just those from the past but every single one of us now! We must work together, we all have to take action in order to save our country. Can we learn from our past? I sure as hell hope so!

This is a disturbing, but necessary read. We have to face our past if there are any hopes of making the present right.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So often recently Americans have questioned if some of the things that have been occurring within our country have happened before. On Fascism answers that for you. MacWilliams explores twelve events in American history where the principles of fascism have occurred. These events are about how we treat each other, let the few guide the many in these behaviors, and go against our principles as a result.
I found the stories interesting to view under this lens. I have heard of the trail of tears, lynching, and Japanese internment and always viewed them as wrong and stains on our society but I never knew enough to view them through the principles of Fascism. We must study our history to change our future and this book helps with that task.

This book shows our time in history is nothing new. I was unaware of the racism and white supremacy that occurred under President Jackson. Now I am appalled that he is on our currency as favorite leader. It just shows the country has shown its underbelly before. Every lesson in the book brought new information to light. I was sickened as I read but glad to know the truth of our past history. The prejudice started with the Indigenous people and continues on today. The following are the lessons within the book.

Lesson 1: American Enlightened or Authoritarian?
Lesson 2: Fomenting Fear
Lesson 3: All Lies Matter
Lesson 4: Gagging the press, Quashing Dissent
Lesson 5: Taking What is Rightfully Ours
Lesson 6: Using Fear and Violence to Control and Subordinate Others
Lesson 7: The Driving Out
Lesson 8: Fear as a Path to Power
Lesson 9: Galvanizing Group Identity
Lesson 10: Silence of the Law
Lesson 11: Fear Breeds Repression; Repression Breeds Hate; Hate Menaces Stable Government
Lesson 12: The Surveillance Society and the Big Lie

The author did an amazing job writing this book. The information is presented in an easy to follow format. The book begins with an index of American Authoritarian Attitudes. This list could have been written in the 1770s, 1800s, or today. Even if the subject matter is difficult, I cannot say enough good about this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the past, present, and future of our country.

On Fascism is a timely book. It also is, in a nutshell, disturbing, and a little bit horrifying – as it should be. It serves to push against the idea of American exceptionalism. Its chapters focus on twelve times in American history where our democratic beliefs came up hard against authoritarian or even fascist ideals.

He opens the book with a bit of a gut punch with survey results on authoritarian attitudes and democracy that are alarming. A recent study reflects that 46% of Americans are inconsistent supporters of democracy and democratic institutions. It’s the perfect launching point for answer to the question: “How do we square these opinions with the story of American exceptionalism and the values that ostensibly anchor it?”

I consider myself a good student of American history. Still, I still had much to learn in these chapters, such as certain nuances forgotten or glossed over in their teachings. This is a quick read – only 208 pages in length – but it merited my full attention. I found On Fascism to be interesting and insightful.

It’s obvious where MacWilliams political leanings lie. (A few more examples of authoritarianism on the left would have softened his bias). However, he’s clear on the fact that the rhetoric of authoritarianism isn’t limited to one side, and that it has seeped into people’s belief system more than we realize.

This book was in a word: masterful. From the author's note about the promise of America through every last chapter it was clear that this book was based on facts, data and research. You don't have to like what MacWilliams is laying out to recognize the value.

Having read Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright I was excited to see that this text, while slightly more academic, was a great next step. As a Jewish reader, I appreciated the time given to anti-Semitism in Lessen 3: All Lies Matter discussing how conspiracies spread and Lessen 9: Galvanizing Group Identity.

I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in understand the dangers of fascism, the warning signs, and how America's past continues to impact the present and future. America is not less susceptible to authoritarianism -- it's in our founding.

Just weeks away from an incredibly consequential election, this book is a good reminder to that democracy is on the ballot.

Highly readable, 'On Fascism' is the ideal book for those wanting to know more about fascism and for library collections short on readily available clear, concise information.

Well.
First, I need to say that one should not read this like I did. I left it to long and then had to power read it to get it done so I could review it for NetGalley. THAT is not recommended. If I could, I would go back and start MUCH earlier and take 12 - 14 days to read this and really delve into the 12 lessons and then the several appendixes at the end. This book deserves way more time than I was able to give it.

That said, it was totally worth my time to read it. EVERYONE should be reading this book. There is some pretty horrifying stuff in this book - as someone who is a history buff, I was shocked at some of the stuff I was learning. You'd think that we, as Americans, would learn from our past and mistakes, but alas, no. We are doomed apparently to keep making the same stupid mistakes over and over. When WILL we get it through our heads that people who do not look like us are NOT INFERIOR TO US?? Sigh.

For the most part, this book is very easy to read. There are parts that I struggled with because, well, the author loves a big word. He REALLY loves a big word that no one but an intellectual has ever heard of [thank the heavens for the dictionary on the Kindle. That really, really helped with this book] and there were definite moments of W T HECK does that mean. But other than that, this book reads really well. There is absolutely no mistake what the author is saying here - it is laid out really well. Fascism is alive and well in this country and we, as those who are terrified by it, need to stand up and make a change. And well, if you read this and aren't horrified, chances are, you shouldn't have even bothered to pick this one up. The 12 lessons are laid out in a way that anyone can get and I spent a lot of time highlighting. SO much to unwrap and learn here. Some of the statistics he writes about made my blood both boil and then freeze in the veins. And I spent a lot of time shaking my head at just how disillusioned America has become. And how long the trail of that really extends behind us. And it is both exhausting and terrifying.

I highly recommend this book - there is a LOT of really important information in this book, and again, I think it should be required reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fascism: 12 Lessons From American History is a powerful, eye-opening exposé on the death of democracy, and although this is specifically about the views of the American public this applies to pretty much every country in the world. The quote ”please, I can't breathe” - George Floyd’s Final Words (2020) had a big effect on me; seeing those words written in text somehow really moved and angered me even more. In this book, we learn that we have been gradually descending towards this situation for some time. MacWilliams dissects American exceptionalism, using 12 brief but potent lessons from history to illustrate that the dark forces of authoritarianism that face us today are not new. With the seemingly objective statistics presented it is difficult to conclude anything other than the fact that we are hurling inexorably towards even more major societal problems. I was utterly shocked by the facts gleaned from recent research as it shows just how fearful we have become of those who are different from us despite no genuine justification for it. It appears that the rampant propaganda has been successful in attempting to divide and all that's left to do now is conquer.

HL Mencken’s quote about fear is one that very much fits with the concept of this book. ”The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary”. This phrase encompasses exactly what has been taking place since the beginning of time on a political level, but has been ramped up exponentially of late. In succinct and accessible prose, MacWilliams presents a gut-punch of a book which should alarm those who believe in freedom and egalitarianism. This should be a rude awakening for any right-minded person and the use of research statistics, quotes and anecdotes certainly adds to the terror of this topic. Through the 12 chapters, he explores the surveillance state, lack of free press, the changing treatment of immigrants and the diminishing value of truth. Only through activism and stringently holding governments to account can the tide be turned. Highly recommended. Many thanks to St Martin's Griffin for an ARC.

I am glad I read On Fascism: 12 Lessons from American History by Matthew C. MacWilliams

Dr MacWilliams starts with survey data indicating that 46% of Americans inconsistently support democracy (https://www.voterstudygroup.org/publication/follow-the-leader) and explores surveys that indicate support for various ideas inconsistent with democracies.

The 12 lessons are told in such a way that they serve as a reminder that although we are a good nation, we are far from perfect and at times some of our actions were more consistent with these undemocratic beliefs.

These history lessons are followed by a conclusion chapter with 10 steps to strengthen the American democracy.

That in turn is followed by 3 appendices discussing methods and so forth. In particular I found interesting his discussion of measuring authoritarianism.

One method is a simple 4 question test. I took it and was surprised to learn I scored very differently from the author, although we agreed on many of the issues he discussed in this book.

I highly recommend On Fascism and thank Netgalley for the chance to read it before publication

A timely read. I appreciate the historical background to a modern-day problem. The author is clear and concise with his arguments, and makes the history of fascism in America accessible to everyone. It's fascinating to see how undemocratic our country has always been.

On Fascism covers America's dark past that still continues to bleed into todays current events. It goes over events such as the trail of tears, lynching of Black Americans, Japanese internment camps, and Trump's presidency. MacWilliams gives statistics on American’s who still don’t believe in racial equality which are not surprising but shocking nonetheless. America continues to ignore the past and will affect our future, as it is currently. "Our failure to admit and take responsibility for past transgressions, to reconcile the past with the present stands squarely between America and America's future".

He concludes with ways we as a society can work together and change our democracy. I feel that there could've been a bit more elaboration in certain places but I do like how we explained why and how we are right back in square one with racism and fascism residing in the White House. Overall, this is a quick and insightful read. Thank you so much to St. Martin's press and Netgalley for invited me to read this arc!

As this book and history reminds us we have had leaders which have done horrible things in order to further their own interests, fears or hatreds, and we will probably have more leaders in the future. But it would help if we could learn from out past mistakes when choosing these people. This book was enlightening and disheartening at the same time. The US has a darker history of acts that are not so honorable. There doesn't seem to be anyone that the people of the US has not hated. It is easy to see why people are protesting. The people have had enough hatred. It is time to stop the vitriol that is spewed on a daily or hourly basis. It is up to us to stand up and fight for our republic or we will sadly fall into the abyss of fascism.