Date of Award:

5-1966

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Political Science

Committee Chair(s)

Milton C. Abrams

Committee

Milton C. Abrams

Abstract

This study is designed to examine and evaluate the basic beliefs and actions of the John Birch Society. It is not intended to determine the proper location for the Society on the American political spectrum, but to merely represent an opinion. An objective approach is intended, but the conclusion expresses a point of view, which, I hope, is clear and consistent enough to allow those who may disagree to take issue.

There is a great deal of room for disagreement on a subject such as this. The sources used in determining the content of this presentation are listed in the footnotes and bibliography. Those who see the subject in a different perspective are invited to examine the stated references and proceed from that base to form their own independent conclusions.

The main body of this study, which is concerned with the ideology of the John Birch Society, is based almost entirely on the official publications of the Society and statements made by its leaders. The primary sources in this case consist of the Blue Book, American Opinion Magazine, and the monthly Bulletin. Additional supplementary releases issued by the Society such as "Stop, Look, and Listen," "A Brief Introduction to the John Birch Society," Rousellot's "General Beliefs and Principles of the John Birch Society," and "Why Join the John Birch Society" have been considered as statements of official Society beliefs and have been used as such.

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