The Empire Never Ended 62: John Birch Society pt. 1 - Everyone is a Communist
Oct 26, 2021
Dive into the shadowy origins of the John Birch Society and its founder, Robert Welch, as they explore the group's anti-communist fervor and how its ideas permeate modern politics. Revel in bizarre connections between paranoia and privilege, as well as the society's controversial take on civil rights and decolonization. With a dash of humor and historical insights, the speakers critique individualism versus collectivism, breaking down how right-wing extremism shapes America's ideological landscape.
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Birch Influence Survived
- The John Birch Society never truly disappeared and seeded many modern conservative movements.
- Wealthy backers amplified a fringe ideology into mainstream politics and media.
Business Origins Shape Structure
- Robert Welch built the Society from business and anti-collectivist networks rather than grassroots organizing.
- The group targeted republican-form governance to privilege individualist authority over democratic processes.
The Martyr Who Became Myth
- John Birch was an OSS officer killed in China after WWII and later mythologized by Welch.
- Birch's family joined then criticized the Society for co-opting his memory.
