The Slow Revolution

(at least in terms of a political term of office)

On Notes From The Past we start a 3-part series on communism in America during the 20th Century. The documentary delves into the historical context and ideological strategies of communist subversion in the United States and the West, as explained by Yuri Bezmenov, a Soviet defector. Bezmenov's warnings from the 1980s, predicting the ideological defeat of America, have gained renewed attention, leading to questions about how such subversion occurred and whether it threatens the West's stability today.

Below is a summary of part 1 - but for something much more entertaining go to the actual documentary How Communism Took Over America (Part 1) - and don’t forget to subscribe!

Early Intellectual Foundations

Marxist Roots and Revolutionary Theorists

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, revolutionary theorists like Karl Marx envisioned violent revolution led by the working class and peasants to overthrow capitalism. However, the 1917 Russian Revolution, which occurred in a feudal state rather than a capitalist one, highlighted flaws to generalize Marxist theory.

Antonio Gramsci and Gyorgy Lukacs

Prominent Marxist theorists Antonio Gramsci and Gyorgy Lukacs adapted Marxist thought to address these shortcomings. They posited that the Western working class was too comfortable under capitalism to revolt. Lukacs suggested destroying the cultural foundations of capitalism, including the family, religion, and private property. These ideas were instrumental in shaping Marxist strategies in the West.

John Dewey and the American Context

John Dewey, an influential American intellectual, admired the Bolshevik Revolution and its centralized educational system. Dewey's advocacy for state-controlled education aimed to counteract individualistic tendencies and promote collectivism, reflecting Marxist ideals.

The Frankfurt School and Cultural Marxism

Establishment and Influence

The Frankfurt School, established in 1923, became a hub for Marxist intellectuals focused on cultural rather than economic revolution. Lukacs' influence was significant, advocating for Marxism's shift from economics to culture. Antonio Gramsci echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to infiltrate cultural institutions to achieve Marxist goals.

Critical Theory

Under Max Horkheimer, the Frankfurt School developed Critical Theory, which criticized Western society's cultural norms and values. Critical Theorists argued that oppression manifested in various cultural forms, not just economic disparity. This theory aimed to expose and exploit societal contradictions to advance Marxist objectives.

Relocation to America

Fleeing Nazi Germany, the Frankfurt School relocated to New York in 1935. From their new base, they applied Critical Theory to American culture, viewing it through a Marxist lens. This approach labeled anyone opposing their ideas as fascists, a tactic still seen today. (They basically hated American culture and were hell-bent on destroying it, all the while presenting their destructive ideology as in the best interest of America)

Communist Infiltration in the United States

Early Communist Activities

By the 1920s, American communist organizations, though small, were highly organized and directed by the Communist International. Police raids in 1922 revealed that American communists aimed to penetrate working-class organizations and operate underground, giving the illusion of disunity.

The Roosevelt Era and World War II

During World War II, communist infiltration into American institutions intensified. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, influenced by utopian ideologies, allowed communists to work within the government, including sensitive positions like radar operators. High-level communist connections, such as those between William Donovan of the OSS and Eugene Dennis, facilitated this infiltration. The infiltration was actually incredible - watch the documentary to get the full picture.

Post-War Reeducation and Cultural Revolution

Denazification and Reeducation

After World War II, critical theorists like Herbert Marcuse and Max Horkheimer played pivotal roles in the denazification process. They used this opportunity to impose Marxist ideology on Germany, extending collective guilt to the entire German population to undermine their cultural identity. This process aimed to pave the way for a broader Marxist revolution.

Influence on American Culture

The Frankfurt School's influence extended to American culture, with critical theorists targeting cultural institutions to promote Marxist ideals. This effort sought to label Western culture as fascist or fascist-enabling, a narrative that persisted and evolved over the decades.

Prominent Communist Cells in the U.S.

Whittaker Chambers and Elizabeth Bentley

Whittaker Chambers and Elizabeth Bentley, former communist members, exposed several high-ranking communist cells within the U.S. government. These cells included influential figures in the Department of Agriculture, Treasury Department, and State Department, highlighting the depth of communist infiltration.

Alger Hiss and the United Nations

Alger Hiss, a significant figure in the State Department and the United Nations, was repeatedly implicated as a communist agent. Despite multiple accusations, he maintained influential positions, reflecting the challenges in addressing communist subversion within the government.

Conclusion

This part 1 of the documentary underscores the long-term strategic efforts of Marxist theorists and communist agents to infiltrate and subvert Western institutions, particularly in the United States. From early revolutionary ideas to the Frankfurt School's Critical Theory and the infiltration of American institutions, these efforts aimed to undermine cultural foundations and promote Marxist ideology. Bezmenov's warnings resonate today, raising concerns about the ongoing impact of these subversive strategies on Western society. It’s likely we are already in too deep, to demoralized to see a way out, but nevertheless we need to know our history and only with a firm grasp of what’s happened can we ignite our own counter-revolution.

Please subscribe to Notes From The Past and stay tuned for part 2. Here’s the link to the video…

How Communists Took Over America (Part 1)