Kaarten: Last class on american fascism | Quizlet

What key question from the previous class session was revisited at the start of this class?

Is he or is he not a fascist?

What situation often drives people to support extreme political solutions, according to the lecture?

A crisis where traditional political solutions no longer seem effective.

How does the concept of group duty relate to fascism in the lecture discussion?

It contributes to a collective mindset, though not inherently fascist, it can be manipulated into one.

What is described as the most crucial emotional driver toward fascist behavior?

The sense of victimhood—believing "we are victims" justifies extreme actions against others.

Why is the feeling of being a victim dangerous in a political context?

It unites people around resentment and can justify actions that violate democratic norms.

How does the lecture describe the leader's role in fascist-like movements?

The leader is believed to have superior instincts over law, reason, or universal principles.

What phrase from Trump's inaugural speech reflects a fascist-style leadership claim?

"I will never ever let you down."

What does the lecture say about Trump's use of statements without evidence?

He creates a world of "alternative facts" to manipulate public opinion and bypass reasoned debate.

What example was given of Trump promoting falsehoods as part of his leadership style?

The claim of a genocide happening in South Africa without any factual basis.

What broader belief is highlighted in fascist ideologies as described in the class?

The belief in the right to dominate as a superior group—specifically white Americans.

How do these ideas and actions collectively create a dangerous political environment?

They encourage people to accept authoritarian rule under the guise of protection or justice.

What event is used to examine these ideas further in a modern U.S. context?

The storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

What was the constitutional purpose of the meeting on January 6, 2021?

Members of Congress gathered to certify the Electoral College votes for the 2020 presidential election.

What did Trump claim about the 2020 election outcome?

That it was a scam and had been stolen from him.

What action did Trump want Vice President Mike Pence to take on January 6th?

To obstruct or nullify the certification of Biden's victory.

What were Trump supporters asked to do in response to the certification process?

To go to the Capitol and disrupt the meeting of Congress.

What was the intention of many Capitol rioters towards Mike Pence?

They wanted to harm or even hang him for not overturning the results.

What physical consequences occurred during the Capitol riot?

Several people, including police officers, died and others were injured.

How did members of Congress escape danger during the Capitol storming?

They were escorted out through the basement.

How long did Trump delay before addressing the rioters, and what did he eventually say?

He waited hours before saying, "We are all going home now," which was too late to prevent the damage.

Why is Trump's delayed response to the Capitol riot significant?

It showed his willingness to let the violent disruption continue due to his belief the election was stolen.

What happened to many individuals who participated in the Capitol attack?

They were identified, arrested, tried, and convicted for crimes like violence and disruption of law and order.

What did Trump do to the convicted Capitol rioters after his (hypothetical) re-election?

He released them from prison, overriding judicial rulings.

Why is Trump's pardoning of Capitol attackers considered a breach of democratic principles?

It violates the separation of powers by disregarding court decisions.

What foundational principle of democracy did Trump's actions reportedly undermine?

The separation of powers between the executive and judicial branches.

According to the lecture, what does Trump's behavior indicate about his governance style?

He seeks to dismantle the legal order and institutions that constrain executive power.

What overall conclusion does the lecture suggest about Trump's leadership?

That his rhetoric and actions strongly resemble those found in fascist regimes.

What is the starting point in assessing if Trump is a fascist?

It's important to distinguish between embracing fascist-like traits and being a full-blown fascist; displaying fascist behaviors doesn't necessarily make one a fascist.

What type of rhetoric is associated with historical fascism, and how does Trump reflect it?

Eliminationist rhetoric—talk of destroying or removing outsiders; Trump undermines liberal democracy by attacking core institutions, though not explicitly calling for physical elimination.

What is "palingenetic ultranationalism" and how does Trump embody it?

It's a form of nationalism that imagines a glorious future by referencing a mythic past; Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan refers to an idealized past that never truly existed.

How does the imagined past in Trump's rhetoric relate to historical tensions?

It reflects a white Christian nationalist vision, ignoring historical realities like immigration tensions and exclusionary laws (e.g., anti-Chinese immigration policies).

What role does anti-liberalism and anti-establishment play in Trump's politics?

He opposes institutions, individual rights, and diversity of thought; he attempted to shut down the Department of Education and uses executive power to challenge congressional authority.

Why is Trump considered anti-liberal, according to the lecture?

He opposes core liberal values like freedom of expression, diversity, and dissent, aligning with authoritarian rather than democratic ideals.

What example shows Trump's attempt to overstep legal boundaries of government?

His attempt to shut down the Department of Education, which was created by Congress and thus can only be abolished by Congress.

How does victimization play into Trump's appeal?

Trump and his supporters claim they are victims of political and cultural systems, using this sense of grievance to justify extreme actions.

What is the concept of the "lone male leader" in fascism, and how does Trump fit this model?

He is portrayed as the sole savior, typically white and male, who alone can fix the crisis caused by corrupt politicians.

How did the assassination attempt reinforce Trump's "lone savior" narrative?

It was used to bolster the idea of Trump risking his life for the country, further cementing his role as a martyr and chosen leader.

What Puritan belief is echoed in Trump's political messaging?

The idea of a divine mission—just as Puritans believed they were sent by God into the wilderness, Trump claims he was sent to "fix" America.

What phrase from Trump reinforces the idea of a divinely inspired mission?

"I risked my life, I almost paid for it with my life," suggesting a messianic or god-sent purpose.

How did Trump express contempt for weakness during his campaign?

He mocked John McCain for being injured in war, saying "I don't particularly like people who get injured," and insulted a disabled journalist, Serge Kovaleski.

What does Trump's reaction to John McCain and Serge Kovaleski demonstrate?

A disdain for vulnerability and disability, aligning with fascist contempt for weakness.

Who was Serge Kovaleski and how did Trump mock him?

A journalist with a muscular disease; Trump mimicked his movements during a rally in response to critical reporting.

What traditional American figure was used to contrast Trump's behavior in the lecture?

John McCain, a respected Republican and war veteran, symbolizing values of compromise and dignity that Trump rejected.

What does the lecture imply about Trump's political instincts?

That he prefers personal instinct and spectacle over law, facts, and reason, reinforcing authoritarian tendencies.

What fascist-like element is reinforced when a leader declares only they can solve the problem?

It centralizes power and erodes institutions, promoting loyalty to the individual rather than the system of checks and balances.

How does Trump's use of nostalgia contrast with reality, according to the lecture?

He draws on a fantasy version of the past (white Christian America), ignoring the historical complexities and injustices of U.S. history.

Why is the critique of "making America great again" significant in this context?

Because it promotes an exclusionary, mythologized vision of a past that was not great for many marginalized groups.

How does Trump show contempt for weakness according to the lecture?

He ridicules people with diseases and disabilities, reinforcing admiration for strength; this aligns him with figures like Putin and adds to the perception of fascist-like behavior.

What conclusion might we draw based on Trump's actions and rhetoric?

That his regime exhibits distinctly fascist elements, though not entirely fascist in form.

What is one major difference between Trump and traditional fascist regimes?

Fascist regimes typically rely on organized paramilitary forces; Trump lacks such forces, although some fringe groups support him.

Why are Trump-supporting groups not considered fascist paramilitaries?

They are loosely organized, not officially connected to Trump, and don't consistently act as militant enforcers on his behalf.

What distinguishes Trump from historical fascist leaders ideologically?

Fascist regimes follow a coherent, ideological worldview; Trump lacks such ideology and is mainly self-interested, acting to benefit himself financially.

Why is Trump considered more of a businessman than a politician?

He lacks a coherent policy agenda or public-serving ideology and focuses on personal wealth and power.

How does Trump's tariff policy illustrate his lack of ideological consistency?

His tariffs harm Americans economically, with no consistent reasoning from either left or right ideology, showing economic incoherence.

What is Trump's broader aim with respect to democracy, according to the lecture?

To dismantle democratic institutions for his personal financial gain, rather than to implement an ideological or authoritarian vision.

Has Trump advocated for a totalitarian one-party state?

No, he has not explicitly called for a totalitarian regime, though his actions could potentially lead in that direction.

Is Trump personally antisemitic?

According to the lecture, no; he uses antisemitic narratives strategically to justify political actions and attacks on institutions.

How does Trump use antisemitism in political messaging?

He claims to combat antisemitism while using it as a pretext to dismantle institutions, such as in his attacks on Harvard.

What is the significance of Trump's attack on Harvard?

It represents an assault on a prestigious educational institution, justified by unfounded claims of Chinese and Marxist influence, illustrating a dangerous precedent of internal cultural destruction.

Why is the attack on Harvard especially concerning?

It shows a rare case of a government trying to destroy its own cultural and academic crown jewel for political reasons.

Why can't Trump be called a full-blown fascist?

While many traits align with fascism, his lack of organized violence, coherent ideology, and explicit goals for totalitarian rule prevent a definitive label.

What argument is made that Trump may be more dangerous than a fascist?

His covert, incremental erosion of democracy and exploitation of populism fosters a slow normalization of fascist elements without the obvious symbols or rhetoric.

What has Trump's influence done to proto-fascist groups in the U.S.?

It has legitimized and grown these groups, making them more aggressive and numerous by exploiting their grievances and beliefs.

Who are the Three Percenters and how do they relate to Trump?

They are a heavily armed, anti-government group inspired by Trump's "drain the swamp" rhetoric and believe in fighting the government like the American revolutionaries.

What myth do the Three Percenters believe in?

That only three percent of colonists fought in the American Revolution, and they identify with that myth to justify resistance against the current U.S. government.

Why are the Three Percenters anti-government?

They believe in the "deep state" conspiracy, claiming that hidden forces within the government control national affairs against the people's will.

What does the phrase "drain the swamp" mean to Trump's supporters like the Three Percenters?

It symbolizes purging Washington of corruption and entrenched political elites, used to justify radical or violent anti-government action.

What is the "deep state" according to conspiracy theorists?

An invisible globalist-socialist conspiracy believed to be working secretly to destroy white America, including taking away rights like gun ownership.

Why is belief in the "deep state" hard to refute?

Because it's based on belief rather than facts and exists in a self-contained, parallel worldview that cannot be falsified.

What is the current emotional climate in America described in the lecture?

America is gripped by fear, with many people, including students, expressing anxiety about national direction and threats.

Is every right-wing populist a fascist?

No, not every right-wing populist is a fascist.

Is every fascist a right-wing populist?

Yes, all fascists use right-wing populism as a foundation, making it an accelerator to fascism.

What does right-wing populism do in relation to fascism?

It acts as an accelerator, making the shift toward fascism more feasible and smoother.

Does Professor Albers think Trump is purposefully installing a fascist regime?

No, he does not believe Trump ideologically supports fascism, but he tolerates and empowers groups with fascist leanings.

What did Trump do on his first day back in office that raised alarms?

He pardoned and released individuals convicted for storming the Capitol, showing disregard for legal norms and rule of law.

What incident does the professor use to illustrate Trump's connection to fascist tendencies?

The "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017.

Why did right-wing groups organize the Charlottesville rally?

They were protesting the removal of Confederate statues, especially of General Robert E. Lee, whom they admired.

What historical event also fueled the Charlottesville rally?

A 2015 church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina by a white supremacist, which had reignited racial tensions.

Why were Confederate statues being removed in the South?

Because they honor leaders who fought to uphold slavery and white supremacy, leading to backlash and highly emotional debates.

What did Trump say about the Charlottesville violence that sparked controversy?

He said there were "very fine people on both sides," which was seen as equating white supremacists with peaceful protesters.

What happened at the counter-protest in Charlottesville?

James Alex Fields Jr. drove his car into the crowd, killing Heather Heyer and injuring 35 others.

What slogan did Charlottesville protesters chant that reflected white supremacist beliefs?

"They will not replace us," referring to minorities and immigrants.

Why was Trump's "many sides" comment criticized?

It implied moral equivalence between violent white supremacists and peaceful counter-protesters.

What is the professor's final judgment on whether Trump is a fascist?

Trump is not a fascist, but he exhibits fascist tendencies and may be paving the way for more dangerous developments.

What is the political label that most accurately describes Trump, according to the professor?

Authoritarian Populism.

What is populism in the context of this lecture?

A political approach that delegitimizes existing democratic institutions and claims to give direct power to "the people."

Are all populist movements authoritarian?

No, some populist movements operate within democratic norms and do not seek to dismantle democratic structures.

What are the two essential components of democracy?

Fair elections and majority rule.

How does populism differ from democracy?

Populism bypasses institutions and emphasizes a direct connection between a leader and 'the people,' portraying the elite as the enemy.

What misunderstanding is populism based on?

The belief that the populist leader truly represents and defends 'the people' against a corrupt elite.

What does populism assume about 'the people' and the 'elite'?

It portrays the people as embodying common sense and the elite as corrupt and detached.

What are authoritarian values?

Values that promote in-group loyalty, strict conformity, and rejection of outsiders, often resulting in an "Us vs Them" mentality.

What are examples of "Us vs Them" dynamics in Trump's politics?

Us (the people) vs them (the elite), us (white Americans) vs them (immigrants, non-whites, Europeans).

What is the "authoritarian reflex"?

The tendency of people facing insecurity or fear to support authoritarian leaders who promise protection and solutions.

Why do people support leaders like Trump, according to the professor?

Not because they are stupid, but due to real fears—economic hardship, job insecurity, health concerns, and feelings of being abandoned.

What cultural factor contributes to the appeal of authoritarian leaders?

Cultural anxiety about globalization and the erosion of national identity or traditions.

How did globalization contribute to working-class insecurity?

It led to job loss as companies relocated to cheaper countries, making average people feel unprotected and disoriented.

Which president is held responsible for accelerating globalization?

Bill Clinton, for policies that removed trade barriers and shifted jobs overseas.

Why is "Make America Great Again" a powerful slogan?

It taps into nostalgia and cultural anxiety, appealing to those who feel they have lost their world or identity.

How many executive orders did Trump sign in his first 100 days?

143 executive orders.