Herbert David Croly 
The Promise of American Life 
Political and Economic Theory Classic

‘The Promise of American Life’ is a book by Herbert Croly that opposed aggressive unionization and supported economic planning to raise general quality of life in early twentieth-century America. It made a significant impact on many leading progressives, influencing Theodore Roosevelt to adopt the platform of ‘The New Nationalism’ after reading it, and being popular with intellectuals and political leaders of the later ‘New Deal’. Croly advocated a new political consensus that included as its core nationalism, but with a sense of social responsibility and care for the less fortunate. Since the power of big business, trusts, interest groups and economic specialization had transformed the nation in the latter part of the 19th century, Croly pressed for the centralization of power in the Federal Government to ensure democracy, a ‘New Nationalism’.

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Herbert David Croly (1869-1930) was an intellectual leader of the progressive movement as an editor, political philosopher and a co-founder of the magazine ‘The New Republic’. His political philosophy influenced many leading progressives including Theodore Roosevelt. He was one of the founders of modern liberalism in the United States, especially through his books, essays and a highly influential magazine ‘The New Republic’. Croly’s largest contribution to American political thought was to synthesize the two thinkers into one theory on government: Jefferson’s strong democracy achieved through Hamilton’s strong national government.