Modern Conspiracies in America
Separating Fact from Fiction
-
- $34.99
-
- $34.99
Publisher Description
"... an excellent guide to logic and credibility for all who are curious about this complex and urgent subject." Booklist Starred Review
America is awash with alleged conspiracies. It seems like today, no one with a cell phone escapes the vortex of skepticism, cynicism, paranoia, and fear that occupy our thoughts almost constantly. Seeking out valid answers in this cacophony can be confusing and deeply frustrating. In this book, historian Michael D. Gambone provides case studies of popular conspiracy theories in America from the past 100 years, from Protocol of the Elders of Zion to #stopthesteal. He offers an approach based on basic logic and historical case studies, not designed to win arguments, but to help readers separate truth from the avalanche of nonsense descending on us every day. In each case, Gambone outlines the conspiracy claim, provides historical context for the conspiracy, presents evidence of the conspiracy claim, and analyzes the claim, context, and evidence.
Modern Conspiracies in American History will appeal to a broad audience of readers interested in American history and those seeking to become better informed consumers of news in an era when social media spreads misinformation widely and quickly.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Historian Gambone (Long Journeys Home) expands on a course he teaches at Kutztown University in this accessible study of "modern conspiracy beliefs." Noting that "Donald Trump and the Tea Party before him brought conspiracy beliefs to our living rooms and kitchen tables," Gambone discusses how the internet fosters the search for unifying theories that "make the vastness out there easier to handle" and cites research suggesting that "establishing patterns satisfies the desire to impose some type of control over our environment." Turning to specific conspiracies, he examines how economic and political turmoil in Europe after WWI contributed to the popularity of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a hoax book purporting to outline an "international Jewish conspiracy" to take over the world; explains how real evidence of "clear and consistent communist efforts to infiltrate U.S. institutions" was exploited for political gains by Sen. Joseph McCarthy and others during the Red Scare of the 1950s; and delves into the flurry of conspiracies in the 2016 presidential election, including allegations that Donald Trump was a Russian agent, Sen. Ted Cruz's father had helped assassinate JFK, and Hillary Clinton was part of a pedophile ring. Though Gambone sticks to well-trod ground, he succinctly summarizes and contextualizes each conspiracy. Readers will gain a better grasp on how central conspiracy thinking is to American politics and culture.
