In 'Selling Free Enterprise,' Elizabeth A. Fones-Wolf uncovers the compelling narrative behind the promotion of free enterprise in America. Through a detailed exploration of advertising, media, and public relations, she reveals how the concept of free enterprise became ingrained in the American psyche. The book challenges readers to consider the powerful forces that shape economic ideals and societal values. Fones-Wolf's meticulous research highlights the intersection of capitalism and culture, posing critical questions about freedom and market values. This thought-provoking work invites readers to reflect on the implications of selling not just products, but a way of life.
By Elizabeth A. Fones-Wolf
Published: 1994
"In the marketplace of ideas, the truth is often drowned out by the clamor of profit; yet, it is the earnest voices of those who dare to question that light the way toward genuine progress."
The post-World War II years in the United States were marked by the business community's efforts to discredit New Deal liberalism and undermine the power and legitimacy of organized labor. In Selling Free Enterprise, Elizabeth Fones-Wolf describes how conservative business leaders strove to reorient workers away from their loyalties to organized labor and government, teaching that prosperity could be achieved through reliance on individual initiative, increased productivity, and the protection of personal liberty. Based on research in a wide variety of business and labor sources, this detailed account shows how business permeated every aspect of American life, including factories, schools, churches, and community institutions.
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“In the marketplace of ideas, the truth is often drowned out by the clamor of profit; yet, it is the earnest voices of those who dare to question that light the way toward genuine progress.”
Selling Free Enterprise
By Elizabeth A. Fones-Wolf
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Elizabeth A. Fones-Wolf is a distinguished historian and author, renowned for her contributions to the field of labor history and the American West. With a keen focus on the intersections of labor, race, and gender, her notable works include 'Fear Itself: The New Deal and the Origins of Our Time' and 'The American West: A History'. Fones-Wolf's writing style is characterized by its meticulous research, narrative depth, and ability to seamlessly weave together personal stories with broader social movements. She is also a professor of history, inspiring the next generation of scholars through her teaching and mentorship.
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