The Liberal Tradition in America : The Classic on the Causes and Effects of Liberal Thought in the U.S.

Hartz’s influential interpretation of american political thought since the Revolution. He contends that americanca gave rise to a new concept of a liberal society, a “liberal tradition” that has been central to our experience of events both at home and abroad. New Introduction by Tom Wicker; Index. This “brilliantly written” look at the original meaning of the liberal philosophy has become a classic of political science (American Historical Review). Winner of the Woodrow Wilson Foundation Award As the word “liberal” has been misused and its meaning diluted in recent decades, this study of American political thought since the Revolution is a valuable look at the “liberal tradition” that has been central to US history. Louis Hartz, who taught government at Harvard, shows how individual liberty, equality, and capitalism have been the values at the root of liberalism—and offers enlightening historical context that reminds us of America's unique place and important role in the world. “Lively and thought-provoking... Fascinating reading.” —The Review of Politics Includes an introduction by Tom Wicker Liberal Tradition in America Preface Contents Part One. Feudalism and the American Experience I The Concept of a Liberal Society Part Two. Revolution in a New World II The Perspectives of 1776 III America’s “Social Revolution” Part Three. The Emergence of Democracy IV. The Whig Dilemma V. The American Democrat: Hercules and Hamlet Part Four. The Feudal Dream of the South VI. The Reactionary Enlightenment VII. The Crusade Against “Free Society” Part Five. The American World of Horatio Alger VIII. The New Whiggery: Democratic Capitalism IV. Progressives and Socialists Part Six. Depression and World Involvement X. The New Deal XI. America and the World Notes Index Views American democracy, revolution, and capitalism in the light of Western history.