Lifelong Learning | American Demagogues Part II
American Demagogues Part II: Joseph McCarthy and the ‘Red Scare’
Wednesday, September 11
12:00-1:00pm
Professor Gary Darden
Looks at four major figures in modern American politics whose public legacy challenged the guard rails of American democracy, testing the promise that the Constitution applies to all citizens. These populist ‘strong men’ generated ‘popular’ support by appealing to the fears and prejudices of ordinary citizens in difficult times. While the guard rails of democratic institutions held in the long run, the lives of many Americans were deeply impacted, ruined, or even lost. The lessons and fate of three 20th century figures offers lessons for those in the 21st century who imperil popular democracy for a form of authoritarianism.