The Gist Steven Hahn Unmasks the Myth of Liberal America
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Aug 7, 2025 
Steven Hahn, an NYU historian and author of "Illiberal America: A History," dissects the complex relationship between liberalism and its illiberal counterpart in American history. He reveals how seemingly progressive movements like eugenics and temperance often masked darker elements. Hahn dives into pivotal moments like the American Revolution, illustrating the nuanced tensions of American democracy. His insights on how social movements have sometimes fueled authoritarianism challenge the myth of a purely liberal America, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
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Illiberalism Shapes U.S. History
- American history should be seen as shaped by multiple political currents, not just liberalism.
- Illiberalism has deeply influenced U.S. history including democratic exclusions and authoritarian tendencies.
Teaching History in Prisons
- Steven Hahn teaches in a prison education program and engages incarcerated students to understand history.
- Prisoners view figures like Benjamin Rush's advocacy of penitentiaries as exercises of power rather than purely humanitarian.
Progressivism and Eugenics' Dark Side
- Progressive era reforms entangled liberalism with illiberal ideas like eugenics.
- Eugenics aimed to cement hierarchies and social engineering, showing limits of liberalism's inclusiveness.
