Exploring the roots of American fascism in the 1930s, connection between Italian fascism and US events, parallels between Jim Crow laws and fascism, the global spread of concentration camps in the 1930s, violent strikes in California, rise of fascist and anti-fascist ideologies, collaboration between leftist groups, cultural diversity within workers' movements, complexities of the popular front movement, and the impact of WWII and the Cold War on labor movements.
American fascism in the 1930s intertwined labor movements, racial violence, and political ideologies.
Ford and Coughlin exemplified fusionist politics, blending social justice principles with exclusionary ideologies.
Father Coughlin's appeal blended right-wing class consciousness with authoritarian tendencies among working classes.
American fascism in the 1930s reflected social, economic, and political tensions on a broad spectrum.
Regional manifestations of American fascism showcased multifaceted dynamics intertwined with class and racial biases.
The podcast highlights the presence and impact of the Black Legion, showcasing violent and extremist tendencies.
Deep dives
Anxieties and Rising Fascism in America in the 1930s
Anxieties about fascism in America in the 1930s were fueled by various social movements and the political climate of the time. The influence of Mussolini's regime in Italy and the rise of the Nazis prompted concerns about the potential spread of fascism in the U.S. Pro-Fascist activities among Italian and German immigrants, along with the presence of Nazi symbols in certain American cities, added to these anxieties. The complexities of defining fascism in the American context were further complicated by the intersection of labor movements, racial violence, and political ideologies.
Regional Case Studies: South's Fascist Regime Critique and California's Farm Fascism
In the American South, the critique of Jim Crow as a fascist regime emerged early on, linking labor repression to fascist elements. Black radical intellectuals and communist organizers were quick to identify similarities between Southern oppression and European fascist traits. California's 'farm fascism' concept, coined by Carey McWilliams, highlighted the economic sector's role in perpetuating fascist-like practices in agriculture, showcasing the lethal combination of legal, extra-legal, and state-sanctioned violence against labor movements.
Industrial Midwest: Henry Ford, Father Coughlin, and Fusionist Politics
Figures like Henry Ford and Father Coughlin exemplified fusionist politics in the Industrial Midwest, blending social justice principles with exclusionary ideologies. Ford's anti-Semitic views and admiration for European fascism, along with Coughlin's radio influence in promoting anti-Semitic and anti-New Deal sentiments, underscored the complex ideological landscape of American fascism. Their ability to blend mainstream opposition to Roosevelt's policies with extremist views showcased a murky fusion of American culture with fascist rhetoric.
Class Consciousness and Worker Responses: Coughlin's Audience and Ideological Influence
Father Coughlin's appeal to segments of the working and middle classes, particularly among Irish-American and Polish-American workers in Detroit, highlighted a blend of right-wing class consciousness and authoritarian tendencies. His influence resonated with those facing economic instability and cultural shifts, subtly aligning with both older working-class factions and newer immigrant populations. Through his radio platform and ideologically malleable messaging, Coughlin engaged with a diverse audience, tapping into economic insecurities and fears of cultural change.
Nuances and Complexities of American Fascism
Despite varying regional manifestations and historical contexts, American fascism in the 1930s encompassed a broad spectrum of social, economic, and political tensions. From local to global influences, the anxieties surrounding fascism drew upon international connections, domestic labor struggles, racial injustices, and ideological clashes. Figures like Ford, Coughlin, and regional movements like 'farm fascism' reflected the multifaceted nature of American fascism, intertwined with class dynamics, racial biases, and anti-establishment sentiments.
Historical Significance and Ongoing Relevance
The examination of 1930s America reveals a complex tapestry of ideological shifts and social movements that intertwined with global fascist influences. Recognizing the regional case studies in the South, California, and the Midwest sheds light on the nuanced responses and critiques of fascism within American society. Understanding the widespread implications of fascism's rise in the 1930s provides valuable insights into navigating the challenges of authoritarianism, racial tensions, and labor dynamics in contemporary contexts.
The Relationship Between Fascism and Catholicism
There are multiple forms of fascism discussed in the podcast, with a focus on the centrality of Catholicism to Italian fascism and the alliances formed by local iterations of the Klan with European fascists, highlighting the deep circulation of American anti-Catholicism.
The Black Legion and its Influence
The podcast delves into the presence and impact of the Black Legion, a group concentrated in Northern Ohio and South Michigan with a membership estimated between 60,000 to 100,000 members. The Black Legion was active in recruiting workers from various industries and law enforcement, showcasing their violent and extremist tendencies.
Diverse Fascist Organizations and Interconnections
The episode mentions various fascist organizations like the Silver Shirts, German American Bund, and America First Movement, illustrating the interconnected nature of these groups and their shared ideologies. It highlights the ideological fusion and collaborations among different fascist factions.
Challenges and Ambiguities of the Popular Front
The podcast explores the complexities and debates surrounding the Popular Front movement, discussing its strategic shifts, internal critiques, and the challenges it faced in adapting to changing geopolitical dynamics, such as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. It reflects on the impact of the Popular Front on American political ideologies and movements during that era.
Episodes of Anti-Fascism and Geo-Political Impact on the Left
The episode delves into the nuances of anti-fascist movements and the geopolitical forces that influenced the left, examining the effects of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact on political alignments. It discusses the complexities of anti-fascist strategies, internal divisions within leftist movements, and the broader implications of geopolitical events on the American left.
Personal and Cultural Reactions to Political Shifts
The podcast touches upon the personal responses to political shifts, including the varying reactions to changing political landscapes and party directives. It reflects on the emotional and intellectual responses of individuals to the evolving political climate and the challenges faced in navigating shifting ideological allegiances.
Episode 9 of Fragile Juggernaut is the first of a series of thematic episodes, in which we pause our chronological narrative to survey key issues shaping the world of the CIO. In this episode, we turn our view on the escalating confrontation between fascism and anti-fascism. Was there an American fascism? Where did it come from and what did it look like? How did it relate to the labor movement? And what was the meaning of the Popular Front, the broad left coalition against fascism?
Featured music: “All You Fascists Bound to Lose” (Billy Bragg, originally Woody Guthrie); “La Crisis Actual” (Los Cancioneros Alegres); “Ballad for Americans” (Paul Robeson); “Ballad of October 16” (The Almanac Singers); “Round and Round Hitler’s Grave” (The Almanac Singers)
Fragile Juggernaut is a Haymarket Originals podcast exploring the history, politics, and strategic lessons of the Congress of Industrial Organizations and the rank and file insurgency that produced it. Support Fragile Juggernaut on Patreon and receive our exclusive bimonthly newsletter, full of additional insights, reading recommendations, and archival materials we’ve amassed along the way.
