When America Was Great: The Fighting Faith of Liberalism in Post-War America

by Mattson; Kevin

• ISBN13: 9780415947763
• ISBN10: 0415947766
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2006-03-13
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

In the midst of Eisenhower's America, at the peak of the conservative Cold War era, a movement of thinkers and writers defined a pragmatic liberal vision for America. In this tale that will redefine the word "liberal" for a new generation, Mattson retraces the intellectual journey of these towering figures--from historians Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and C. Vann Woodward, to economist John Kenneth Galbraith and theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. They served in the Second World War. They opposed communism but also wanted to make America's poor visible to the affluent society. Contrary to those who characterize liberals as naïve or sentimental "bleeding hearts," they had a tough-minded and nuanced vision that stressed both human limitations and hope. They felt America should stand for something more than just a strong economy.--From publisher's description.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
Preface to the Paperback Edition	xv
Introduction Endings and Beginnings	1	(25)
Characters The Unspoken Virtues of Liberalism	26	(26)
Enemies The Integrity of Liberal Anticommunism	52	(34)
Values The Pay-Offs and Problems of Pluralism	86	(24)
Loves The Nation as Beloved Community	110	(30)
Hopes Liberalism and the Quality of Public Life	140	(32)
Tragedies and Conclusions	172	(9)
Notes	181	(40)
Index	221