It Can't Happen Here: Book Summary & Analysis

This is a concise summary and analysis of It Can’t Happen Here, by Sinclair Lewis. It is not the original book and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sinclair Lewis. Ideal for those seeking a quick and insightful overview

It Can’t Happen Here is a 1935 dystopian political novel. The story is set in a fictionalized version of 1930s United States and follows an American politician, Berzelius “Buzz” Windrip, who quickly rises to power to become the country’s first outright dictator. The novel describes the rise of Windrip, a demagogue who is elected President of the United States, after fomenting fear and promising drastic economic and social reforms while promoting a return to patriotism and “traditional” values.