The Revolt Against the Masses

The Revolt Against the Masses examines the development of modern American liberalism from the 1920s through present day. Siegel traces how literary intellectuals and cultural critics shaped progressive politics and attitudes toward middle-class American life. The book focuses on key figures like H.L. Mencken, Sinclair Lewis, and Randolph Bourne who expressed disdain for mainstream American values and traditional middle-class culture. Through extensive research and historical analysis, Siegel documents how these early 20th century critics influenced later progressive movements and leadership. The narrative tracks the evolution of liberal thought through major events including the New Deal, World War II, the 1960s counterculture, and into contemporary politics. Siegel examines both intellectual history and practical policy outcomes across these periods. This work presents a reframing of American liberalism's origins and development, highlighting tensions between democratic ideals and intellectual elitism that continue to shape political discourse today. The exploration of class dynamics and cultural authority raises fundamental questions about American identity and governance.

Readers value Siegel's analysis of how early 20th century liberal intellectuals viewed middle-class Americans with disdain. Many reviews highlight the book's examination of H.G. Wells, Herbert Croly, and Randolph Bourne's writings. Readers appreciate: - Detailed historical research and primary sources - Clear connections between past and present progressive movements - Focus on lesser-known but influential liberal thinkers Common criticisms: - Too polemical and partisan in tone - Overemphasis on certain figures while excluding others - Some historical interpretations seen as oversimplified Ratings: Amazon: 4.3/5 (128 reviews) Goodreads: 3.8/5 (89 ratings) Sample reader comments: "Well-researched but lacks objectivity" - Goodreads reviewer "Important perspective on progressivism's roots" - Amazon reviewer "Makes bold claims without sufficient evidence" - Library Thing review "Strong on historical detail, weaker on modern implications" - Amazon verified purchase

The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom A critique of intellectual culture traces how modern liberal attitudes have led to the deterioration of higher education and civic discourse.

The Culture of Narcissism by Christopher Lasch An examination of how progressive ideals and social changes in twentieth-century America created a society focused on individualism and self-absorption.

The New Class Conflict by Joel Kotkin An analysis of how modern progressive elites have created economic and social policies that harm middle and working classes.

Coming Apart by Charles Murray A data-driven study of the growing cultural divide between upper and working-class white Americans from 1960-2010.

The Death of Liberal Arts by Joseph Epstein A historical account of how American universities transformed from centers of intellectual discourse to instruments of progressive ideology.

🔷 Author Fred Siegel spent over 20 years researching and writing this book, which challenges the conventional narrative about American liberalism's origins and evolution 🔷 The book argues that modern liberalism began not with FDR's New Deal, but in the 1920s as a reaction against middle-class American values and the rise of mass prosperity 🔷 Siegel's work reveals how early liberal intellectuals like H.L. Mencken and Sinclair Lewis viewed the American middle class with contempt, considering them culturally inferior "booboisie" 🔷 The book traces how many prominent liberals of the 1920s initially admired European fascism and Soviet communism as alternatives to American capitalism and democracy 🔷 Despite sharp criticism from some academic circles, the book won the History News Network's 2014 poll for "Best Historical Work of the Year" among its readers