The Oath Keepers, the Revolutionary War, and Preparations for Rebellion

• In Event: 4322 - Section on Political Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 06. What History Can, and Can't, Teach Us

Abstract

Over the past several years, there have been several prominent examples of activism in America originating in the patriot/militia movement that contest the authority and legitimacy of the federal government, including the standoff at Bundy Ranch in 2014 and the occupation of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in 2016. Participants in this activity often root their action in an interpretation of American history, political philosophy, and political identity. This paper considers one prominent group in this movement called the Oath Keepers, which relies on this history, philosophy, and identity to justify its political behavior and goals. Through this case study, it argues that right-wing social movements who engage in contested behavior use history (especially national history) to justify their vigorous political dissent while simultaneously portraying their members as American patriots, thereby compensating for a legitimacy deficit that follows from the contested nature of their behavior. It argues that the Oath Keepers uses its story of American patriotism to garner moral legitimacy and political support while expressing strong dissent and walking along the edge of violence.

Author

• Sam Jackson, Syracuse University