American Redoubt facts for kids
The American Redoubt is an idea that started in 2011. It suggests that people who hold conservative Christian beliefs should move to certain states. These states are Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, along with eastern parts of Oregon and Washington.
This idea was first suggested by a writer named James Wesley Rawles. He chose this area because it does not have many people living there, and it is usually safe from big natural hazards like major earthquakes or hurricanes.
It is hard to know exactly how many people have moved because of this idea. Some estimates say it could be from a few hundred to a few thousand people. Many people might have moved to these states because they like the culture there, not just because of Rawles's idea.
Some important people who support the American Redoubt movement include Montana pastor Chuck Baldwin, former Washington State Representative Matt Shea, and North Idaho Representative Heather Scott.
Contents
What the American Redoubt Is About
The American Redoubt is seen by some as a safe place to go if big problems happen in the United States. For example, if banks stop working, if the government declares martial law (when the military takes control), or if the power grid (the system that provides electricity) goes down.
James Rawles, who started the idea, is seen as a main leader of the movement. He has stated that he is against racism and supports Israel. He has compared this movement to the Puritans, who moved to America long ago for their beliefs. He believes people can "vote with their feet" by moving to a place that fits their values.
How the Movement Grew
By 2016, some people began to compare those who support the American Redoubt to "survivalists." Survivalists are people who prepare for emergencies. The difference is that Redoubt supporters also actively support certain political candidates, especially those linked to the Tea Party. The Tea Party is a political group that supports lower taxes and less government spending.
People supporting the American Redoubt have moved to states like Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. They want to live in places where they feel there is less control from the federal government. While they say they are not racist, they have chosen areas where there are not many different racial groups.
In August 2016, a magazine called The Economist reported that "thousands of families" had moved to the American Redoubt area. The movement was "quietly gaining steam," meaning it was growing steadily. The election of Donald Trump as president also encouraged more people to join the movement. In 2017, a newspaper called The Inlander noted that people who prepare for emergencies (often called "preppers") saw more political disagreements in big cities. They felt that the differences between city and country life were growing, especially after Donald Trump became president. This made them feel that the time they were preparing for was getting closer.
A newspaper article from August 2016 described the area. It said that hundreds or even a few thousand people had moved to these five states. They found a beautiful place with plenty of water and good soil. It was far from city crime and mostly safe from natural disasters. The people living there were mainly conservative and Christian. They believed in letting others live as they choose, and local governments had few strict rules, especially about gun ownership.
Political Impact
The arrival of conservative Christian "preppers" from other states has influenced politics in northern Idaho. It has made the Republican Party there more conservative. For example, in 2014, two very conservative state lawmakers were elected: Reps. Heather Scott and Sage Dixon. In 2016, state senator Shawn Keough, who had been in office for a long time and was a moderate Republican, faced a tough election challenge but still won.
Media and News
James Rawles's blog, SurvivalBlog.com, often shares news about the Redoubt movement. It also provides guides on how to be prepared for emergencies. John Jacob Schmidt has a blog called Radio Free Redoubt and a radio show. His show, The John Jacob Schmidt Show, broadcasts news and ideas often focused on the American Redoubt.
Another online news source, Redoubt News, publishes news and opinions important to Christian conservative culture in the American Redoubt. Chuck Baldwin, a radio host and politician, is another important leader who shares his views through media.
Images for kids
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A map that shows the boundaries of the American Redoubt
See also
In Spanish: Reducto Americano para niños
