The Evolution of White Nationalism in America: A Historical Perspective

The roots of white nationalism in America can be traced back to the colonial era, with significant milestones marking its evolution. From the early days of the 13 colonies to the modern Republican Party, these movements have deeply influenced the political and social landscape of America.

Slavery and Early Nationalists

Slavery and the competitive drive of Europeans to exploit African resources played a crucial role in the establishment of white nationalism in America. The 13 colonies, dominated by white men, declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. However, this declaration of freedom did not extend to non-white Native Americans and slaves, who had no formal voice in the decision. While not all signatories were explicitly racist, their movement was predominantly white-only in nature.

The Republican Party and White Nationalism

The history of the Republican Party since the early 1970s can be seen as the evolution of white nationalism. Over time, the party has shifted further to the right, aligning itself more closely with white supremacist ideals. Under President Trump, this shift became more pronounced, with the party coming out of the closet on its white nationalist roots.

White nationalists often use the slogan, "Demographics is destiny," to argue that as whites will no longer be a majority in about 15 years, the Republican Party has taken measures to prevent non-whites from gaining political power. This includes moves towards establishing an apartheid-like system, with 2020 being a critical election for this agenda.

Preservation of Confederate Monuments

Under the guise of the Republican Party, there has been a significant emphasis on preserving Confederate monuments. The Republicans have adopted the cynical and misleading motto, "Heritage Not Hate," explicitly borrowing from Nazi rhetoric. Confederate treason has been elevated to near-religious status, with efforts to obscure the true history of racism, slavery, and the treatment of African Americans.

For-profit prison systems have been exploited to re-institute forms of slavery, taking advantage of legal loopholes under the 13th Amendment. These prisoners, often African Americans in the South, are forced to work for extremely low wages, often as low as 13 cents per hour, while prison owners make substantial profits.

Denial and Acknowledgment

Despite the blatant white nationalist stance, the Republican Party, particularly under the leadership of figures like Florida Governor DeSantis, continues to deny its white nationalist roots. At a recent convention, DeSantis applauded Nazi supporters without condemning them, showing that these far-right elements are deeply entrenched in the party's base.

The core of the Republican Party remains the white male vote, which is growing stronger, despite the party's attempts to hide this fact. Republican leaders provide tacit approval to these groups, further solidifying their presence within the party structure.