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The Road to Inequality: A History of Wealth in America

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The Road to Inequality: How the Federal Highway Program Polarized America and Undermined Cities

by Stephen Ellis

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	185 pages
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The United States is one of the richest countries in the world, but it is also one of the most unequal. The gap between the rich and the poor has been growing for decades, and it is now at its widest point in more than a century.

How did we get here? The Road to Inequality is a history of wealth in America, from the colonial era to the present day. It shows how the gap between the rich and the poor has grown over time, and how this has impacted American society.

The Colonial Era

The United States was founded as a country of opportunity, but it was also a country of great inequality. The wealthy elite owned most of the land and wealth, while the poor majority struggled to make ends meet.

One of the main causes of inequality in the colonial era was the institution of slavery. Slaves were considered property, and they could not own land or wealth. This gave slave owners a huge economic advantage over non-slave owners.

Another factor that contributed to inequality in the colonial era was the land system. Land was the most important asset in the colonial economy, and it was distributed very unevenly. The wealthy elite owned most of the land, while the poor majority had to rent or sharecrop.

The 19th Century

The 19th century was a time of great economic growth in the United States, but it was also a time of growing inequality. The gap between the rich and the poor continued to widen, as the wealthy elite benefited disproportionately from the new industrial economy.

One of the main factors that contributed to inequality in the 19th century was the rise of industrialization. Industrialization led to the creation of new industries and jobs, but it also led to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few wealthy individuals.

Another factor that contributed to inequality in the 19th century was the influx of immigrants. Immigrants were often willing to work for lower wages than native-born Americans, which drove down wages for all workers.

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of great social and economic change in the United States. The gap between the rich and the poor continued to widen, but it also narrowed at times. The New Deal, for example, helped to reduce inequality in the 1930s, and the Civil Rights Movement helped to reduce inequality in the 1960s.

However, the gap between the rich and the poor has continued to grow in recent decades. This is due in part to the rise of the global economy, which has led to increased competition for jobs and wages.

Another factor that has contributed to inequality in recent decades is the decline of unions. Unions have traditionally been a way for workers to increase their wages and benefits, but they have been losing power in recent years.

The 21st Century

The 21st century is still in its early stages, but it is already clear that inequality is a major problem. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow, and it is now at its widest point in more than a century.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to inequality in the 21st century. These include the rise of the global economy, the decline of unions, and the increasing cost of education and healthcare.

The consequences of inequality are far-reaching. Inequality can lead to poverty, crime, and social unrest. It can also damage the economy and make it harder for people to achieve their full potential.

What can be done?

There are a number of things that can be done to address inequality. These include:

Raising the minimum wage
Strengthening unions
Making education and healthcare more affordable
Investing in infrastructure
Reforming the tax code

Addressing inequality will not be easy, but it is essential for the future of the United States. Inequality is a threat to our democracy, our economy, and our social fabric. We must take action now to reduce inequality and build a more just and equitable society.

The Road to Inequality is a sobering account of how the gap between the rich and the poor has grown over time in the United States. It is a reminder that inequality is a serious problem that has far-reaching consequences. We must take action now to reduce inequality and build a more just and equitable society.

The Road To Inequality: A History Of Wealth In America The Road To Inequality: How The Federal Highway Program Polarized America And Undermined Cities