Jennifer A. Delton Knihy

Tracing the National Association of Manufacturers' (NAM) evolution from its 1895 founding, the narrative explores its pivotal role in shaping modern capitalism and the U.S. economy. Jennifer Delton reveals the organization's dual nature: while it fiercely opposed unions and championed corporate interests, it also promoted progressive initiatives like safety standards and affirmative action. The book examines NAM's impact on American industry, highlighting its contributions to economic growth and the paradox of its role in the decline of manufacturing jobs by the late twentieth century.

The book presents a compelling argument that anticommunism and the Cold War actually supported and advanced the New Deal's reform initiatives rather than undermining them. It explores how these historical forces not only reinforced the New Deal state but also expanded its reach and impact, highlighting a complex interplay between political ideologies and social reforms during this pivotal era.