It Can't Happen Here

Definition

It Can't Happen Here is a phrase often associated with the notion of disbelief in the potential for authoritarianism to arise in one's own society. This concept connects to the Federal Theatre Project's focus on producing works that addressed social issues and raised awareness about the dangers of fascism and totalitarianism during the Great Depression. The phrase serves as a cautionary reminder that complacency can lead to dire consequences, particularly in a democratic society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'It Can't Happen Here' was popularized by Sinclair Lewis's 1935 novel of the same name, which depicted a fictional American society succumbing to fascism.
2. The Federal Theatre Project produced plays that directly confronted the threat of totalitarianism, including works like 'The Cradle Will Rock' which highlighted social injustices.
3. Many productions under the Federal Theatre Project aimed to engage audiences in discussions about democracy, civil rights, and the potential rise of oppressive regimes.
4. The phrase symbolizes a broader attitude of denial prevalent in American society at the time, reflecting fears that authoritarianism was a distant concern rather than an imminent threat.
5. The project faced significant opposition from political figures who viewed its works as leftist propaganda, ultimately leading to its dissolution in 1939 due to budget cuts and ideological conflicts.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of 'It Can't Happen Here' reflect societal attitudes toward authoritarianism during the era of the Federal Theatre Project?
  • 'It Can't Happen Here' reflects a widespread belief among many Americans that their democratic society was immune to the rise of authoritarianism. This attitude contributed to a sense of complacency, as citizens underestimated the dangers posed by totalitarian regimes gaining power globally. The Federal Theatre Project sought to counter this complacency through performances that challenged audiences to confront these issues directly, fostering awareness about potential threats to democracy.
• In what ways did the Federal Theatre Project utilize the theme of 'It Can't Happen Here' in its productions to address social issues?
  • The Federal Theatre Project incorporated the theme of 'It Can't Happen Here' into its productions by presenting plays that explicitly critiqued societal injustices and warned against the encroachment of fascist ideologies. Productions such as 'The Cradle Will Rock' not only entertained but also educated audiences on critical social issues, urging them to recognize their responsibility in protecting democratic values. This approach aimed to galvanize public sentiment against complacency and foster active engagement in democratic processes.
• Evaluate the impact of Sinclair Lewis's novel 'It Can't Happen Here' on public consciousness regarding fascism and its relevance to the work done by the Federal Theatre Project.
  • 'It Can't Happen Here' had a profound impact on public consciousness by illustrating how easily democracy could be undermined and replaced by fascist rule. The novel resonated with the themes explored by the Federal Theatre Project, as both sought to raise awareness about totalitarianism's threats. By engaging with Lewis's ideas, the project not only reflected contemporary fears but also served as a platform for dialogue about safeguarding democratic ideals, urging audiences to remain vigilant against any signs of authoritarianism emerging within their own society.

Related terms

Federal Theatre Project: A New Deal program established in 1935 that aimed to provide employment for theater artists and create accessible performances for the public, often highlighting social issues.

Fascism: A political ideology characterized by authoritarian nationalism, dictatorial power, and the suppression of opposition, which became a major concern during the rise of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that aims to represent everyday life and social issues, often used by playwrights and artists to critique societal problems and advocate for change.