Roots of Reform

This book reinterprets the rise of the American regulatory state, focusing on farmers' roles in legislative changes during the late 19th century.

In Roots of Reform, Elizabeth Sanders provides a fresh perspective on the emergence of the American regulatory state during the late 19th century. She posits that politically mobilized farmers were central to the legislative changes that enhanced national oversight of private economic power. This work delves into the motivations and actions of these farmers, highlighting their crucial role in shaping early regulatory frameworks.

Sanders meticulously examines the collaboration between farmers from the South, Midwest, and West, and urban laborers who shared similar class interests. Despite facing limited electoral backing from organized labor, these groups united against a common adversary: the monopolistic industrial and financial capital concentrated in the Northeast. Through a careful analysis of legislative records and historical data, Roots of Reform reveals how this fragile alliance of 'producers versus plutocrats' influenced key regulatory legislation and persisted through the populist and progressive movements.

The book also explores the methods of democratic state expansion that emerged from this coalition, demonstrating their lasting influence on future reform initiatives. By shedding light on these historical dynamics, Roots of Reform not only enriches our understanding of the regulatory state but also underscores the importance of grassroots movements in shaping public policy.