The Reconstruction of American Liberalism, 1865-1914

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, History, Americas, United States, 19th Century
Cover of the book The Reconstruction of American Liberalism, 1865-1914 by Nancy Cohen, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Nancy Cohen ISBN: 9780807860090
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: April 3, 2003
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: Nancy Cohen
ISBN: 9780807860090
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: April 3, 2003
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

Tracing the transformation of liberal political ideology from the end of the Civil War to the early twentieth century, Nancy Cohen offers a new interpretation of the origins and character of modern liberalism. She argues that the values and programs associated with modern liberalism were formulated not during the Progressive Era, as most accounts maintain, but earlier, in the very different social context of the Gilded Age.

Integrating intellectual, social, cultural, and economic history, Cohen argues that the reconstruction of liberalism hinged on the reaction of postbellum liberals to social and labor unrest. As new social movements of workers and farmers arose and phrased their protests in the rhetoric of democratic producerism, liberals retreated from earlier commitments to an expansive vision of democracy. Redefining liberal ideas about citizenship and the state, says Cohen, they played a critical role in legitimating emergent corporate capitalism and politically insulating it from democratic challenge.

As the social cost of economic globalization comes under international critical scrutiny, this book revisits the bitter struggles over the relationship between capitalism and democracy in post-Civil War America. The resolution of this problem offered by the new liberalism deeply influenced the progressives and has left an enduring legacy for twentieth-century American politics, Cohen argues.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Tracing the transformation of liberal political ideology from the end of the Civil War to the early twentieth century, Nancy Cohen offers a new interpretation of the origins and character of modern liberalism. She argues that the values and programs associated with modern liberalism were formulated not during the Progressive Era, as most accounts maintain, but earlier, in the very different social context of the Gilded Age.

Integrating intellectual, social, cultural, and economic history, Cohen argues that the reconstruction of liberalism hinged on the reaction of postbellum liberals to social and labor unrest. As new social movements of workers and farmers arose and phrased their protests in the rhetoric of democratic producerism, liberals retreated from earlier commitments to an expansive vision of democracy. Redefining liberal ideas about citizenship and the state, says Cohen, they played a critical role in legitimating emergent corporate capitalism and politically insulating it from democratic challenge.

As the social cost of economic globalization comes under international critical scrutiny, this book revisits the bitter struggles over the relationship between capitalism and democracy in post-Civil War America. The resolution of this problem offered by the new liberalism deeply influenced the progressives and has left an enduring legacy for twentieth-century American politics, Cohen argues.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book Depression Folk by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book In the Hands of Providence by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book A History of the Book in America by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book German Social Democracy and the Rise of Nazism by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book Heading South to Teach by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book Public Finance in Democratic Process by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book Race Over Party by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book Contested Waters by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book Jean Anderson's Preserving Guide by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book A Refugee from His Race by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book Lynched by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book Recreating Africa by Nancy Cohen
Cover of the book Rudolf Otto by Nancy Cohen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy