This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Dynamite, anarchists and the history of the surveillance state
Listen
46:18
In their heyday in America, anarchists pushed for change at any cost, including by blowing things up.
But the movement did more than just cause chaos.It helped lay the ground for what some call the surveillance state.
One character is central to this explosive history: dynamite.
Best-selling authorSteven Johnson lays it all out in his new book and explains how Alfred Nobel’s invention forever disrupted our political world.
This new history spans from 1866 to 1919. It tracks how the anarchist movement spread across Europe, into New York City and beyond.
The book is called “The Infernal Machine: A True Story of Dynamite, Terror, and the Rise of the Modern Detective.” Johnson describes Nobel’s explosive invention and illustrates how its subsequent impact paved the way for forensic science.
Copyright 2024 WAMU 88.5
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
