English origins -- Indians and Anglo-American egalitarianism -- Revolutionary ideologies and regulations -- Wealth and power in the early republic -- Raising republican children -- Clashes over America's political economy -- Separating property and polity -- Reviving the tradition -- Reconstruction and the rejection of economic equality.
Summary:
"This book chronicles the decline of the American foundational idea that a relative equality of wealth for citizens is essential to a well-functioning republican government. The author explains how egalitarianism gave way over time to an acceptance of economic disparity and hierarchy as a social reality in American society. The book provides a historical perspective on the gap between rich and poor that characterizes the contemporary United States"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.