American Silencer traces the long history of political violence in the United States and its role in shaping - and suppressing - public dialogue. From colonial-era mob actions, intimidation, and tarring and feathering, through labor violence, assassinations, bombings, and political terror, the book examines how fear has repeatedly been used to enforce silence and conformity.

Dean Woodson shows how political violence operates not only through physical acts, but through threat, spectacle, and social intimidation - narrowing the boundaries of what can be safely said and reshaping civic behavior long after the violence itself subsides. Historical case studies reveal recurring patterns across eras, institutions, and ideologies.

The book also addresses contemporary events, including attacks on public officials, their families, and political actors, situating these incidents within a longer American tradition rather than treating them as isolated or unprecedented. Modern practices such as doxing, targeted harassment, and intimidation are examined as extensions of older methods of silencing dissent.

Written in a restrained, evidence-based style, American Silencer offers a historically grounded examination of how violence and fear distort democratic culture - and outlines principles for restoring moral courage, open disagreement, and durable civic dialogue.