Episode #174
EP 174: A History of America First
This week on Hashtag History, we will be discussing the political ideology of America First. This is the concept that America needs to prioritize America—our domestic interests above those of other nations. And, in theory, that sounds like a good idea, right? Putting American families and the American economy first, not engaging in foreign conflicts are participating in international treaties that don’t directly benefit the US. But this philosophy also comes with a lot of criticism too: It weakens international alliances. When we need help, who is coming to save us when we have burned all our bridges? Through tariffs and trade wars, depending solely on domestic goods becomes more expensive for the American people. And then, of course, there are the historical parallels to times in the past when the US – so focused on the US – made the decision to allow fascism to thrive abroad. And, when we exclude ourselves so much from foreign nations, what reason would they have to intervene in our affairs when we are being taken over by fascism? In a quote from Sarah Churchwell, author of the book Behold, America: The Entangled History of “America First” and “the American Dream” - she said, “What may seem at first glance merely a patriotic or nationalistic slogan – one that implies economic protectionism – in fact has a much longer and darker history in American political discourse than many people realize." And that is the history we will be getting into this week. While we will of course explore the philosophy of America First this week, our primary focus will be on that long and dark history behind the phrase. Its early roots in McKinley in the late-1800s and his tariff policy, in Wilson’s reelection campaign in 1916 about keeping America out of World War I, in 1940 with the Founding of the America First Committee (which boasted prominent members like Charles Lindbergh and Henry Ford), and then, of course, in 2016 and again in 2024 with the Trump Administrations’ focus on border security, foreign relations, tariffs, and burning our alliances with foreign nations. Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at www.HashtagHistory-Pod.com. You can also check out our website for super cute merch! You can now sponsor a cocktail and get a shout-out on air! Just head to www.buymeacoffee.com/hashtaghistory or head to the Support tab on our website! You can locate us on www.Patreon.com/hashtaghistory where you can donate $1 a month to our Books and Booze Supply. All of your support goes a long ways and we are endlessly grateful! To show our gratitude, all Patreon Supporters receive an automatic 15% OFF all merchandise in our merchandise store, a shoutout on social media, and stickers! THANKS FOR LISTENING! - Rachel and Leah Editor: Alex Perez Copyright: The Hashtag History Podcast
