Shaping modern liberalism

In this first full-length study of Herbert Croly's political theory, Edward Stettner analyzes Croly's writings and examines the events, experiences, and people that influenced his thinking. Croly, founder of The New Republic, expounded on issues from the nationalization of railroads to the Espionage Act in his search for a middle way between socialism and capitalism. Stettner illustrates how Croly's political theory influenced the editorial position of one of the leading liberal journals and how his thought in turn was modified in reaction to national and world events during the progressive era. Stettner emphasizes how Croly was drawn to the conclusion that a strong national government and individual rights could indeed coexist - if not always serenely - in a democratic society, consequently helping to establish the framework for modern liberalism.