The Promise of American Life

Herbert David Croly was an early 20th century American politial liberal writer. After leaving Harvard before graduating he became editor of the Architectural Record in 1900. Croly's best-known book, The Promise of American Life, was published in 1909. This work gives a manifesto of Progressive beliefs that came before the transition from competitive capitalism to corporate capitalism. It was a transition from limited government to the welfare state. Croly discusses the historical evolution of American society, including slavery, corporations, unions, centralization and democracy, and individual and national purpose.