This concise, revisionist study argues that the rise of a plutocratic class happened through Civil War-era upheaval, Reconstruction policies, and the growth of a national economy. It presents a focused narrative grounded in historical evidence and a distinct economic perspective.

Drawing on a wide range of sources, the book connects political changes, tax policies, and race relations to the long arc of U.S. capitalism. It traces how imperial power, labor, and politics intersected to forge a new industrial order and a decisive shift in who held influence in the country.

Readers will encounter a provocative portrait of late-19th and early-20th century America, with attention to the experiences of workers, communities, and reform movements. The work invites readers to examine how economic forces and political power have shaped the nation’s development.

How Reconstruction affected governance, law, and political power in the South and North
The role of race, enfranchisement, and taxation in shaping policy and wealth
The transition from smaller businesses to large-scale industry and national markets
How ideology and class interests influenced historical outcomes and public debate

Ideal for readers of American history and political economy who seek a brisk, evidence-informed perspective on class and power in the United States.

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