A Level Politics – Comparing Civil Rights - The Alt-Right and Domestic Terrorism in the USA

A Level Politics – Comparing Civil Rights - The Alt-Right and Domestic Terrorism in the USA
This study guide summarizes the provided text on the rise of the Alt-Right and its connection to domestic terrorism in the USA. Understanding this topic requires grasping the key actors, events, and the overall threat to democracy.
I. Defining the Alt-Right:

• What is it? A political movement encompassing various far-right ideologies, including white supremacy, neo-Nazism, and neo-Confederacy (support for the pro-slavery Confederacy during the US Civil War). It's crucial to understand this is not a monolithic group but a collection of individuals with overlapping, extremist beliefs.

II. The Threat of Domestic Terrorism:

• Scale of the Problem: Far-right extremists and white supremacists were responsible for two-thirds of terrorist acts in the USA in 2020. This represents a significant and growing threat.
• Key Statistics:
  • 2018: 50 deaths caused by far-right violence; a 50% increase in white nationalist groups (reaching 148).
  • 2015: Charleston church shooting (9 African-American deaths).
  • 2019: El Paso Walmart shooting (23 deaths, targeting Hispanics).
  • 2018-2019: Synagogue shootings (12 Jewish deaths).
  • 2020: 150% rise in anti-Asian hate crimes.
• Targets: While African Americans have been historically targeted, the violence extends to Hispanics, Jews, and Asian Americans. This demonstrates a broad pattern of hate-fueled violence targeting minority groups.
• NAACP Response: The NAACP actively highlighted the dangers of domestic terrorism through communication with the House Committee on Homeland Security and public awareness campaigns.

III. The Role of Political Figures and Rhetoric:

• Trump Administration's Influence: The text suggests a link between Trump's association with Alt-Right figures and increased fear about civil rights. His responses to events like the Charlottesville rally and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests were widely criticized for not unequivocally condemning far-right violence. The "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" tweet is presented as particularly inflammatory.
• Political Rhetoric and Violence: The text implies that the rhetoric used by political figures can contribute to escalating far-right extremism and violence.

IV. The Threat to Democracy:

• Violent Actions: The presence of armed militia members at the Michigan Capitol (2020 and 2021) and the January 6th attack on the US Capitol building highlight the far-right's willingness to use violence to attempt to undermine democratic processes. The use of symbols like swastikas and Confederate flags underscores the nature of this threat.

V. Key Terms and Concepts:

• Alt-Right: Defined above.
• Domestic Terrorism: Violence committed within a country's borders, motivated by extremist ideologies.
• White Supremacy: The belief that white people are superior to other races.
• Neo-Nazism: A resurgence of Nazi ideology and practices.
• Neo-Confederacy: A modern revival of pro-Confederate sentiments, often intertwined with white supremacist beliefs.

Study Questions:

1. How does the text define the Alt-Right, and why is it important to understand its multifaceted nature?
2. What are the key statistics illustrating the scale and impact of far-right-related domestic terrorism?
3. Discuss the various minority groups targeted by far-right extremist violence.
4. Analyze the role of political rhetoric and leadership in either exacerbating or mitigating the threat of domestic terrorism.
5. Explain how the actions of far-right groups represent a threat to democratic institutions and processes.
6. What are the potential long-term consequences if the rise of the far-right is not addressed effectively?

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