Recent American political developments, including the election of Donald Trump, reveal profound disquiet with the highly centralized political regime based on discretionary allocation of funds and powers to interest groups that has developed since the creation of emergency institutions after America’s entry into World War I. This book demonstrates the effectiveness in American history of measures conceived in a different spirit, addressing the population at large, rather than particular interest groups, relying on citizen and local initiative, and founded not on the distribution of frequently unearned benefits and powers but on reciprocal contributions and obligations. George W. Liebmann discusses John Winthrop and his foundation of New England towns; John Locke and the creation of Southern plantations; Thomas Jefferson and his scheme for the organization of Northwestern townships and American territories and states; Joseph Pulitzer and the origins of municipal home rule; John Wesley Powell and the creation  of reclamation districts; Hugh Hammond Bennett and the fostering of soil conservation districts; and Byron Hanke and the development of residential community associations. The book concludes with a number of public policy proposals relating to housing, urban renewal, care of the elderly, immigration and youth unemployment conceived in the same spirit. Liebmann brings to light little-known facts concerning the growth of practices and institutions that Americans take for granted. His book will be of interest to students of biography, history and government.
**
Review
‘How refreshing to read a book about political science from the bottom up, about political ideas that actually work, and about the innovators who came up with successful practical schemes that have empowered American citizens and communities over the years. Anyone who feels resigned to over-regulation and hyper-centralization will find a bracing antidote in George Liebmann’s own proposals for workable improvements to our systems of taxation, education, and urban renewal.’ (Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard University)
‘Liebmann's expertise in American government and its history is evident throughout. He makes the historical development of institutions come alive by putting faces and personalities on those who promoted them. Readers can discover how newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer was instrumental in the home rule movement and why so many state universities have a "Morrill Hall" on their campuses. Liebmann's look back at these entrepreneurs of the public sector enriches our understanding of our system and, one hopes, will inspire others to try more innovative solutions to ongoing problems.’ (William A. Fischel, Dartmouth College)
About the Author
George W. Liebmann is an historian and lawyer specializing in American and international history. His publications include Diplomacy Between the Wars: Five Diplomats and the Shaping of the Modern World; The Last American Diplomat: John D Negroponte and the Changing Face of US Diplomacy and The Fall of the House of Speyer: The Story of a Banking Dynasty (all published by I.B.Tauris).
Political
Social & Cultural Studies
Nonfiction
Political Science
Government
Civics
Biography & Memoir
Cover 1
Half-title 3
Series information 4
Title page 5
Copyright information 6
Table of contents 7
List of illustrations 9
Introduction 11
1 John Locke and Southern Plantations 15
2 John Winthrop and the New England Town 33
3 Thomas Jefferson and the Midwestern Township 47
4 Albert Gallatin and Municipal Enterprise 63
5 William Leggett and the General Incorporation Laws 79
6 Justin Morrill and Land Grant Colleges 93
7 John Wesley Powell and Western Public Lands 109
8 Joseph Pulitzer and Municipal Home Rule 121
9 Hugh Hammond Bennett and Soil Conservation Districts 133
10 Byron Hanke and the Residential Community Association 149
Conclusion: The Way Forward 161
Notes 167
Introduction 167
1. John Locke and Southern Plantations 167
2. John Winthrop and the New England Town 171
3. Thomas Jefferson and the Midwestern Township 173
4. Albert Gallatin and Municipal Enterprise 175
5. William Leggett and the General Incorporation Laws 177
6. Justin Morrill and Land Grant Colleges 180
7. John Wesley Powell and Western Public Lands 181
8. Joseph Pulitzer and Municipal Home Rule 182
9. Hugh Hammond Bennett and Soil Conservation Districts 184
10. Byron Hanke and the Residential Community Association 187
Conclusion: The Way Forward 189
Bibliography 191
Index 203

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motw/America's Political Inventors_ - George W. Liebmann.epub

motw/America's Political Inventors_ - George W. Liebmann.pdf

Liebmann, George W.

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

I.B. Tauris; Bloomsbury

Taylor & Francis Ltd

International library of historical studies, London ; New York, 2018

International library of historical studies, London, 2017

International Library of Historical Studies, 112

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

producers:
Adobe PDF Library 15.0

Memory of the World Librarian: Calamitous Annunciation

2025-10-27