In this article, Zinn challenges modern mythology that shrouds our contemporary understanding of the American struggle for independence and equality. Instead of a fight for freedom from a tyrannical, monarchical rule, Zinn explains how colonial elites persuasively manipulated and mobilized the working classes that were needed to garner the support to challenge England. Working classes were used as pawns in the elite struggle to establish a new, privileged ruler. They used persuasive language and propaganda in order to unite the masses with colonial elite, mobilizing this workforce by exercising ideas of enlightenment and equality. However, the colonial elite made sure to maintain the distribution of wealth and power among themselves, and effectively restrained the poor when they became too enthralled with ideas of democracy and freedom. The interest in the lower classes was only taken when the elite realized they could use these people to their advantage, which they accomplished in doing so. It is also important to note that many were entirely excluded from this mobilization attempt, such as women, who Zinn notes were seen as politically invisible. Native Americans and African Americans were also outside this sphere of influence and were seen as groups that needed to be suppressed since the British were trying to incite rebellions among them against the colonists.
This article explains the foundation of American hypocrisy and the effort of the elite to mobilize working class voters to their advantage. This act has taken place over the entire course of American history and can be even seen in political debate today. Republican and Democrat politicians have both used their privilege and influence to use the working class to benefit their own priories and maintain the status quo of wealth and power. Donald Trump’s huge gains in the Midwest in the 2016 election parallel the issue Zinn discusses. Trump’s campaign to put America first and pull back the reigns of the progressive Obama administration won him great support among white working class that had previously voted democrat. Despite low unemployment rates, Trump’s tariff policy against China has hurt these same rural agricultural workers and followed the arc of Zinn’s argument. This is nothing new. Many forms of political leadership throughout history demonstrate that those who do not have a voice in the affairs of the state are regularly exploited, manipulated, and ultimately end up paying the price for forms of political or economic revolution.
Since the colonial elites were known to manipulate and mobilize members of the working class, then one could argue that the elites stood as a charismatic collective. One could say they were collectively toxic because they made false promises of enlightenment and equality. Sure, they all received colonial independence from the British, yet in terms of wealth and opportunity, the working class laborers were cut short.
Historical tactics of power-grabbing definitely parallel those of today. The narrative of independence was sold to poor people as a means of gaining power and status along with the elites. Like today, Trump has used racism as a means for poor whites to gain power and feel important among elites.