Book Review: White Revolt!

White Revolt!: An American National Socialist History. Leon Dilios. Ostara Publications, December 12, 2018, Trade Paperback, 312 pages. 

Reviewed by Brian Johnston.

White Revolt!is the story of the National Socialist movement in the United States, as witnessed by someone who participated in the movement. The events largely took place in Chicago although the book describes events in other Midwest areas. Those who believe that National Socialism died in Germany with Adolf Hitler in 1945—especially those not alive in the 1960s—may be surprised to learn about some successes that the movement has since had in America.

Dilios tells the story through the personal experiences of the movement’s leader, Frank Collin; it revolves around the assassination of another one of its leaders, George Lincoln Rockwell, for whom the party’s headquarters was later named. The party gained much notoriety, even internationally, for its activities in the 1960s, which included many public gatherings and demonstrations. The rallies were always controversial, attracting opposition and sometimes leading to violence.

As he tells the story, Dilios cites many setbacks the movement faced. Collin was arrested many times despite, according to the author, his right to freedom of speech. However, the author also cites successes for the movement, including Collin polling double digits in an election as an open National Socialist. The story culminates in “Operation Skokie,” when participants threatened to march into a predominately Jewish suburb demanding the right to free speech.

The book wraps up with an analysis of the National Socialist movement today, citing how social media and other modern technology has made it possible for participants to connect with each other and keep the movement going.

Dilios tells the story of the movement with passion and certainty; his sympathetic views with the movement will likely make some readers uncomfortable. Throughout the book, he also claims that events regarding the National Socialist movement have been twisted over the years. Ultimately, his participation in the stories gives the book credibility in terms of the truthfulness of the events. Those who want to learn more about the National Socialist movement in the Midwest in the 1960s will find this book useful.