Kaarten: chukus american fascism | Quizlet
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What is the significance of the phrase "America First" in recent history?
It marked a historical moment, especially during Trump's campaign—some saw it as patriotic, while others found it alarming.
Does the phrase "America First" originate with Trump?
No, it has a long history dating back to the 19th century.
What was the Know Nothing Party?
A political movement concerned with the influence of foreigners, often using "I know nothing" as a form of social camouflage.
What ideology did the Know Nothing Party embrace?
Nativism—prioritizing those born in the country and resisting foreign influence.
What is nativism?
The belief that native-born citizens, especially white Christians, are more entitled to the nation's resources and identity than immigrants or minorities.
How did the Know Nothing Party define American identity?
As white and Christian, excluding anyone else as alien or a visitor at best.
How is "America First" connected to xenophobia?
It resists anything foreign or alien and promotes a white Christian version of America.
What is one specific group targeted by early immigration laws inspired by "America First" ideology?
Chinese immigrants—early laws were created to restrict their entry due to fear of foreign influence.
What did the 1884 article titled "America First and Always" signify?
It revealed that the term "America First" was already in circulation and used to promote a narrowly defined, exclusive American identity.
How does "America First" relate to hyphenated identities like "Italian-American"?
It questioned their loyalty, suggesting that such identities indicated divided allegiances.
What was the concern about hyphenated identities during the Civil War?
There was suspicion over their loyalty—whether they supported their ancestral homeland or the U.S.
Why is the idea of "America as a land of immigrants" seen as conflicting with "America First"?
Because "America First" promotes assimilation and cultural unity, while the U.S. was historically built by diverse immigrant groups.
How is "America First" a civic test of loyalty?
Using a hyphenated identity was seen as failing the test; full loyalty was expected to be to America alone.
What deeper meaning lies behind resistance to hyphenated American identities?
It suggests that unless one fully assimilates and sheds dual cultural identities, they are not considered truly American.
Who ran for U.S. presidency in 1915/16 and what did he promise?
Woodrow Wilson, who promised to keep America out of World War I.
What was the key foreign policy theme of Wilson's campaign?
Non-interventionism and protectionism—America should focus on domestic interests.
How is this isolationist sentiment echoed in current politics (e.g. Trump)?
Trump has expressed reluctance to honor NATO obligations, possibly siding with leaders like Putin over small NATO countries like Lithuania.
What is NATO's principle of collective defense?
If one member state is attacked, all others must defend it.
When was the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) founded?
On Christmas Eve, 1865, by frustrated Confederate soldiers.
Why was the KKK founded?
To resist Reconstruction and maintain white supremacy after the Civil War.
What does "Ku Klux" derive from?
From the Greek word kyklos, meaning circle; distorted into "Ku Klux Klan" (Clan).
Who led the first Klan and what was his title?
A former Confederate general, known as the Grand Wizard.
When did the Second Klan emerge and what slogan did it use?
In the 1920s, using "America First" as its official slogan.
What did the Second Klan claim to uphold?
White supremacy, Christianity, and 100% American values.
Where did many immigrants, especially Germans, settle in the U.S.?
In the Detroit area, seeking new lives.
What was the German-American Bund?
A 1930s organization in the U.S. that sympathized with Nazi Germany.
Did the German-American Bund support violence?
They were heavily anti-Semitic but not explicitly violent like the KKK.
What activities did the German-American Bund organize?
Children's camps with songs in German accent and Nazi themes.
Who financed the German-American Bund?
The Nazi party in Germany.
Who was Fritz Kuhn?
Leader of the German-American Bund, falsely claimed Hitler appointed him "Führer."
Where was Fritz Kuhn originally from?
Munich, Germany; later worked in the U.S. for Henry Ford.
What was Henry Ford's connection to antisemitism?
He spread antisemitic pamphlets among his largely German-American workforce.
What significant event did the German-American Bund organize in 1939?
A massive pro-Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden in NYC, just before Hitler invaded Poland.
Why was the 1939 Bund rally especially disturbing to many?
It was held in the same venue (MSG) later used by Trump, creating symbolic parallels; it was also the largest antisemitic rally in U.S. history.
Why did the Bund choose George Washington's birthday for the rally?
To claim Washington for their fascist ideology, saying he would have been a fascist if alive.
Who was Isadore Greenbaum?
A Jewish plumber from Brooklyn who disrupted the Bund rally in 1939.
What happened to Isadore Greenbaum after he interrupted the rally?
He was fined $25 for disturbing the peace, not harmed, and later joined the U.S. Army to fight fascism.
What was the America First Committee (1940)?
A mass movement started by Yale students to keep the U.S. out of WWII.
How large was the America First Committee?
It had over 800,000 registered members.
What type of people joined the America First Committee?
Both antisemitic and non-antisemitic individuals, forming a coalition of left- and right-wing supporters.
What author joined the America First Committee and what did he write?
Sinclair Lewis; he wrote It Can't Happen Here about the threat of American fascism.
Who was Charles A. Lindbergh in this context?
The first man to fly solo across the Atlantic, became the public face of the America First Committee—though his views were controversial.
What did the America First Committee advocate for?
Keeping the U.S. out of WWII, with some members even hoping a Nazi victory would benefit America.
How did the term "America First" operate ideologically?
On two levels: 1) Identity—who counts as a "real" American; 2) Foreign policy—should America intervene in global affairs?
Who was Patrick Buchanan?
A far-right politician, speechwriter for Nixon, communications director under Reagan, and twice a presidential candidate.
Why was Buchanan controversial?
He was seen as too far-right, xenophobic, and nationalist—even by mainstream Republicans.
How did Buchanan influence modern politics?
He laid the ideological groundwork for Trump's nationalism and populism.
What phrase did Buchanan use that Biden later repurposed?
"The soul of America."
What political ideology did Buchanan represent?
Paleo-conservatism—anti-globalist, isolationist, and xenophobic.
Which movement continued Buchanan's ideology into the 2000s?
The Tea Party movement.
What was the Tea Party (2009) and what did it reference?
A populist, paleoconservative movement referencing the original Boston Tea Party to legitimize its revolt.
What was a key driver behind the Tea Party's formation?
Opposition to the election of Barack Obama, the first Black U.S. president—rooted in racist and supremacist discourse.
What sentiment did Trump tap into that the Tea Party helped normalize?
"Now we can finally say what we want" — validating open expression of xenophobic and racist views.
Who did the Tea Party oppose within their own party?
The Republican establishment, especially moderate figures like the Bush family.
What mix of values defined the Tea Party?
Traditional conservatism (e.g., small government) mixed with racial resentment and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
What slogan reflects the Tea Party's racial anxieties?
"They will not replace us" — a fear of demographic and cultural displacement.
What specific fears did the Tea Party play on?
Loss of jobs and cultural dominance to foreigners; fear that America was no longer "theirs."
What happened to the Tea Party after COVID?
It largely vanished from the political landscape.
What conspiracy theory did the Tea Party support about Obama?
Birtherism—the false claim that Obama was born in Kenya and thus ineligible to be president.
How did Trump continue the birtherist narrative?
He questioned Obama's legitimacy and later birthright citizenship as a whole.
Who else was controversially allowed into the U.S. under Trump?
White South Africans claiming persecution in post-apartheid South Africa.
How did the Tea Party use media to spread its message?
Through carefully chosen or self-created media channels, especially right-wing platforms.
Which news channel rose alongside the Tea Party movement?
Fox News—became the most-watched network in America.
How was Fox News connected to Trump's administration?
Several Trump staffers were recruited directly from Fox News; they had no prior political experience.
What TV role made Trump a household name before politics?
Host of The Apprentice where he became famous for the catchphrase "You're fired."
What role did media play in Trump's political success?
He built his political base through mass media exposure, especially reality TV and right-wing news.
What are the two core ideas behind Trump's 2017 campaign?
1) America needs to be white; 2) Focus on "greatness" and "purity".
What does "Make America Great Again" imply?
A coded call to "Make America White Again"—a return to a perceived racial and cultural past.
How does Trump contrast with American exceptionalism?
Trump abandons the global democratic mission; sees politics as a way to gain personal wealth.
What shift does Trump represent in U.S. politics?
A fundamental change in how power and diplomacy are used—away from public service, toward self-interest.
What is American exceptionalism?
The belief that America is unique with a global mission to promote democracy and collective wellbeing.
How does fascism function today as a term?
It's widely used but poorly defined; almost meaningless without context.
Where does the term "fascism" originate?
From Latin fasces—a bundle of rods symbolizing power and unity, used by Roman magistrates.
Who popularized the term "fascism"?
Benito Mussolini in 1915, adopting it for his authoritarian movement.
What does Robert Paxton argue about fascism?
It's both an ideology and a praxis—a behavior, a way of doing things.
What are the five stages of fascism according to Paxton?
1) Intellectual exploration, 2) Rooting, 3) Arrival to power, 4) Exercise of power, 5) Radicalization.
What characterizes the first stage of fascism?
Intellectual disillusionment with democracy and national decline; people begin questioning societal conditions.
What triggers stage two: "Rooting"?
The discontent becomes organized; movements start gaining traction on a national stage.
What marks the third stage: "Arrival to power"?
Populist or extremist groups win elections and begin controlling national institutions.
What happens during the fourth stage: "Exercise of power"?
Movements suppress opposition and concentrate authority, led by a charismatic leader.
What defines the final stage: "Radicalization"?
Authoritarian regimes become fully fascist—seen in historical examples like Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy.
How does globalization relate to modern fascist movements?
Many feel alienated by globalization, fueling resentment and nostalgic nationalism.
Why is "again" a powerful word in Trump's slogan?
It implies a lost golden age, evoking nostalgia and the promise of restoration.
What are "mobilizing passions" in fascism?
Deep emotional drivers that inspire people to support authoritarian movements and leaders.
What is a core emotional trigger in fascist rhetoric?
A sense of overwhelming crisis—everything is perceived as falling apart or under threat.
How did Hitler and Trump both use humiliation?
They publicly mocked or berated others (e.g., Hitler called Germans losers; Trump mocked a disabled journalist and a war hero).
Why is victimhood important to fascist leaders?
It creates a shared identity among followers and justifies aggressive or exclusionary policies.
How does Trump frame America in his rhetoric?
As a constant victim—of the EU, immigration, globalization, and liberal elites.
Why is presenting oneself as a victim powerful?
It aligns the leader with the perceived grievances of the people, creating loyalty.
What does "the primacy of the group" refer to in fascism?
The belief that one ethnic, racial, or cultural group is superior and central to national identity.
What group is often centered in fascist movements?
Typically white citizens—others are seen as threats or outsiders.
What does "the need for authority" mean in fascism?
A desire for strong, unquestioned leadership, often framed in religious or heroic terms.
What was Trump's example of divine favor?
He claimed that surviving a bullet that grazed his ear was a sign that "God wants me to save America."
What is the "beauty of violence" in fascist ideology?
A fascination with or glorification of violence as cleansing, powerful, or beautiful (not yet central in Trump 2017).
What does "the right of the chosen people" mean?
The belief that one nation or group has a divine or historical right to dominate others.
What are examples of Trump hinting at territorial power?
Proposals like buying Greenland or questioning existing international agreements.
Why is the Capitol riot photo iconic in this context?
It visually represents the mobilization of fascist passions—rage, symbolism, and perceived betrayal.
What does the term "cuck" symbolize in alt-right/fascist discourse?
A weak, emasculated man—especially used to insult moderate or centrist conservatives.
What does the "cuckold" metaphor express politically?
A fear of betrayal, emasculation, and being replaced—especially by immigrants or minorities.
Why is the "horned man" in Capitol riot imagery significant?
It invokes multiple symbols: paganism, betrayal (cuckoldry), and hyper-masculinity or perceived power.