Introduction: The birth of reactionary America
John Locke invents America
Our imperfect founders
Illiberal challenge from the plantation elite
Social Darwinism with a vengeance
Why liberals love government: the progressive era
The New Deal and reaction: the libertarian fallacy
Rage against government: George Wallace
Zealots in charge
Donald J. Trump: revival of the Southern demagogue
America's reactionary revolution
Conclusion: Liberals answer back.