On Fascism by Matthew C. Macwilliams Summary

On Fascism challenges America’s “exceptionalism” narrative by exposing recurring authoritarian tactics in U.S. history, from violent othering to strongman rhetoric. Matthew C. MacWilliams analyzes 12 pivotal moments—like the Trail of Tears, Japanese internment, and McCarthyism—to argue that illiberal ideologies have persistently shaped policy. The book urges confronting this past to uphold democratic ideals.

This book is essential for readers interested in political history, authoritarianism, and social justice. Educators, activists, and policymakers will gain insights into America’s illiberal patterns, while general audiences benefit from its accessible analysis of how fear and divisive rhetoric threaten democracy. It’s particularly relevant for those seeking context on modern political polarization.

Yes. MacWilliams combines rigorous scholarship with gripping storytelling, offering a vital corrective to idealized views of U.S. history. By linking past authoritarian policies to present-day issues, it provides a framework for understanding threats to democracy. Critics praise its balance of historical reckoning and hopeful vision for unity.

Both books dissect authoritarianism, but On Fascism focuses specifically on American history, complementing Snyder’s broader European perspective. While Snyder offers 20 lessons for resisting tyranny, MacWilliams roots his 12 lessons in U.S. events like lynching and surveillance, emphasizing homegrown threats to democracy.

Key examples include:

• The Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)
• McCarthyism and the Palmer Raids
• Japanese-American internment during WWII
• The Surveillance State post-9/11
• The Trail of Tears and systemic racism

MacWilliams argues that portraying the U.S. as inherently virtuous ignores its authoritarian legacy, including Jim Crow, xenophobic policies, and political repression. He asserts that this myth prevents honest reckoning with injustices, enabling cycles of discrimination and exclusion.

He defines it as a predisposition to prioritize order over freedom, often manifesting in support for strongman leaders, suppression of dissent, and violent othering of marginalized groups. His research ties this trait to responses to perceived threats, activated by fear-driven rhetoric.

Fear—of social change, economic instability, or external threats—activates authoritarian tendencies, making populations susceptible to divisive rhetoric. MacWilliams shows how elites historically exploited fears to justify policies like internment camps and loyalty oaths.

The book advocates for:

• Educating citizens about America’s authoritarian past.
• Strengthening institutions that protect civil liberties.
• Celebrating grassroots heroes like Ida B. Wells, who resisted oppression.
• Embracing inclusive narratives rooted in e pluribus unum

MacWilliams links modern issues—xenophobia, voter suppression, and extremist rhetoric—to historical patterns. His analysis of Trumpism as an extension of past strongman tactics resonates with 2025’s polarized climate, emphasizing the urgency of democratic vigilance.

Notable lines include:

• “America is not innocent.”
• Mark Twain’s label of “The United States of Lyncherdom.”
• “E pluribus unum is both aspiration and accusation”

As a Ph.D. in political science and scholar of authoritarianism, MacWilliams draws on decades of research, including global surveys on illiberalism. His career as a political strategist informs his acute understanding of rhetoric’s power to manipulate public opinion.