Peter Jones: The Consumer Society. A History of American Capitalism

˝How did America get rich? How has wealth affected her people and her culture? What is the future of her economy likely to be? These are some of the questions dealt with in this dynamic survey of the economic, social and political forces that have made America the richest country the world has ever known. Skilfully blending economic theory and narrative history, the author explains those elements of colonial society that formed the basis for the country's economic growth, the factors which allowed it to progress from an agricultural economy to an industrial one from 1860 to 1920 and finally the emergence of today's consumer capitalism. He stresses his view throughout that social democracy, mobility and opportunity are the historical foundations of America's wealth, and argues that so long as the American people preserve an open society their wealth will continue to grow.˝