Dr. Andrew Hartman, a history professor at Illinois State University and author of 'Karl Marx in America', dives into the intricate ties between mid-century liberalism and Marxism. He critiques well-loved presidents like FDR and discusses how their ideologies have shaped modern perspectives on socialism. The conversation also highlights the impact of the Cold War on political thought, labor movements, and the evolving nature of American liberalism, warning against current political stagnation and the dangers of hyper-nationalism.
Mid-century liberals misinterpreted Marxist ideas, reinforcing a narrow political vision that overlooked the significance of organized labor movements.
The New Deal, while celebrated for its achievements, neglected the grassroots activism of labor unions that shaped its policies and impact.
Cold War liberals' shift from a positive to a negative view of Marxism limited meaningful socialist discourse and alienated critical perspectives.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Cold War Liberals
The episode examines how Cold War liberals, specifically those in the mid-20th century, shaped an American political tradition that often misinterpreted Marxist ideas. Scholars like Arthur Schlesinger Jr. and W.W. Rostow are highlighted for their influential roles in promoting a version of liberalism that dismissed the tenets of Marxism, which ultimately led to a narrow political vision in American society. These liberals believed that their interpretation of Marx was correct while broadly overlooking the importance of organized labor and leftist movements that were integral to the fabric of American politics. This approach not only reinforced a narrative countering the left but also contributed to the historical misunderstanding of Marx and Marxism's relevance to the American political landscape.
FDR and the New Deal
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal is discussed as a pivotal moment that reassured many liberals of their dominance, as they argued it represented a successful alternative to communism. Despite its achievements, the New Deal is critiqued for neglecting the influence of radical labor movements and overlooking the historical figures who pushed for revolutionary ideas. While New Deal programs like Social Security were seen as liberal triumphs, they stemmed from grassroots activism and demands from labor unions, which were actively involved in shaping these policies. This disconnect emphasizes that many perceived liberal successes resulted from broader social movements rather than the efforts of elite politicians alone.
Ideological Blindness of Liberal Intellectuals
The episode highlights a troubling shift among mid-century liberals who transitioned from understanding Marx positively to vehemently opposing it, exemplified by figures like Sidney Hook. Initially, these intellectuals had engaged thoughtfully with Marxist ideas; however, under the pressures of the Cold War, they began to view Marxism through a negative lens, which ultimately restricted meaningful discourse surrounding socialism. Despite their prior insights, this ideological shift led to a widespread dismissal of leftist thoughts within academia, isolating a generation from vital critical perspectives on capitalism. The unwillingness to revisit their favorable interpretations of Marx reflects a significant barrier that has persisted in contemporary liberal thought.
The Historical Context of U.S. Nationalism
A notable theme in the episode is the nationalism inherent in both Cold War liberalism and modern liberalism, which is critiqued for its blindness to the worldviews of various populations. Cold War liberals adopted a tough stance against communism while often neglecting the voices of marginalized groups, perpetuating a narrative that glorified American exceptionalism. This trend continued into contemporary politics, revealing a disconnect between elite Democratic leaders and the working class they claim to represent. The call for increased patriotism in recent Democratic strategies demonstrates a continuation of this ideology, potentially alienating the very constituents who seek meaningful representation.
The Impact of Cold War Politics on Modern Liberalism
The discussion ties Cold War liberalism's historical decisions to ongoing neoliberalism, noting how these early ideologies have warped into a current political landscape devoid of meaningful leftist opposition. The episode reveals how liberalism, once seen as a strong political ideology, has been reduced to empty gestures that do not resonate with the needs of the working class. This critique suggests that the failure to learn from historical lessons has left the Democratic Party in a precarious position, where it struggles to present a cohesive and genuine alternative to the right. The episode closes by urging a rekindling of radical thought within the Democratic framework to effectively tackle contemporary political challenges.
Claire and Dr. Andrew Hartman discuss Marxism, labor movements, and why everybody’s favorite presidents might’ve made things a whole lot worse.
Guest
Our guest Dr. Andrew Hartman is a professor of history at Illinois State University. His newest book Karl Marx in America, is available for pre-order from University of Chicago Press. Follow him on Twitter @hartmanandrew and Bluesky andrewhartman.
Credits
- Host & Executive Producer: Claire E Aubin. Find her on Twitter @ceaubin and Bluesky ceaubin
