As We Go Marching

As We Go Marching examines the rise of fascist states in Italy and Germany, tracing their development through economic and political shifts. Flynn documents the growth of state power and militarism in these nations during the early 20th century. The book analyzes parallels between European fascism and trends in American governance during the New Deal era. Through historical examples and policy analysis, Flynn outlines what he sees as similar patterns of centralized control and economic planning. Flynn methodically builds a case about the relationship between expanding state authority and the erosion of individual liberties. His focus remains on economic policies, military expansion, and the concentration of political power. The work stands as a warning about how democratic societies can transform through incremental changes in their political and economic structures. Its themes about the nature of state power and liberty continue to resonate in contemporary political discourse.

Readers describe this as a detailed analysis of fascism's economic and political roots, particularly focusing on Italy and Germany before WWII. Many reviews note Flynn's argument linking expansive government programs to fascist tendencies. Readers appreciated: - Clear connection between historical events and modern parallels - Documentation of how war powers expand state control - Analysis of economic policies that preceded fascist regimes Common criticisms: - Can be repetitive in later chapters - Some readers found Flynn's warnings about New Deal policies overblown - Writing style can be dense and academic Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (68 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (46 reviews) Notable reader comment from Goodreads: "Flynn shows how fascism wasn't imposed from above but grew through gradual expansion of government power with public support." Amazon reviewer critique: "The economic analysis is solid but Flynn stretches too far in comparing 1930s U.S. policies to European fascism."

The Road to Serfdom by F.A. Hayek An analysis of how government economic control leads to totalitarianism through historical examples across Europe.

Three New Deals by Wolfgang Schivelbusch A comparative study of the economic programs in 1930s America, Italy, and Germany reveals parallel developments in state control.

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer A documentation of how Germany's economic policies and state expansion contributed to the rise of fascism.

The New Deal: A Modern History by Michael Hiltzik An examination of Roosevelt's policies and their transformation of American government's role in economic affairs.

Liberal Fascism by Jonah Goldberg A historical trace of progressive politics' connections to state corporatism and centralized economic planning.

🔹 John T. Flynn, once a prominent liberal journalist, underwent a dramatic political transformation, eventually becoming a fierce critic of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal policies he had initially supported. 🔹 The book, published in 1944, draws controversial parallels between American wartime policies and the economic systems of fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, particularly regarding state control of industry. 🔹 Flynn was one of the founding members of the America First Committee, which opposed U.S. entry into World War II, and this perspective heavily influenced the book's critical analysis of wartime governance. 🔹 The term "military-industrial complex," later popularized by President Eisenhower, reflects many of the concerns Flynn raised in "As We Go Marching" about the dangerous alliance between government, military, and industry. 🔹 Despite being largely ignored by mainstream media when published, the book has become influential in libertarian circles and is considered a significant early critique of the modern American warfare state.