Jonathan M. Katz - Smedley Butler

Smedley Butler was a decorated and notable soldier, rising to the rank of Major General thanks to his fighting in battles in the Philippines, The Mexican Revolution and World War 1.

In 1933 he appeared in front of a congressional committee to inform them of a planned coup, organised by some of the wealthiest industrialists in America, to overthrow the administration of Theodore Roosevelt. He was appearing after being asked to lead a demonstration of veterans in Washington who would then launch an attack on the civil structures of State. This was similar to events and schemes happening or being planned throughout Europe at the time, though bore few connections apart from the Fascist influences.

Jonathan M. Katz talks about his book – Gangsters of Capitalism, detailing how America went from where it was at the turn of the 20thCentury, to where it is over a hundred years later, from the foundations built by people like Smedley Butler – called The Maverick Marine - in the first half of the century.

His book has been referenced as essential for anyone who wants to know how the modern world came to be.

WebsiteJonathan M. Katz

TwitterJonathan Katz

BookGangsters of Capitalism: Smedley Butler, the Marines, and the Making and Breaking of America's Empire

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