Equality, Liberty’s Lost Twin

Sound Bite

Inequality seems to be the only topic under discussion today. But what do we actually mean by equality, and what did the American Founders have in mind?This work is a history of ideas and at the same time a parallel study of social and political dimensions. The book should be of particular interest to public officials as well as commentators on contemporary issues and to educators at the college level.Prof. Penegar presents a composite picture of both historic and contemporary understandings of the ideal of equality and of the policy initiatives undertaken to advance the ideal over the same expanse of time.

About the Book

<p>In <i>Khrushchev’s Putsch</i>, Gerhard Schnehen delivers a comprehensive analysis of one of the most pivotal events in Soviet history—the political maneuvering that led to the undoing of the socialist program and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. This gripping narrative dissects Nikita Khrushchev’s rise to power, exploring how his policies reshaped the ideological and economic landscape of the USSR.</p><p>A Critical Turning Point in Soviet History: Schnehen meticulously traces the events following Joseph Stalin’s death, examining how Khrushchev orchestrated a political coup that overturned foundational socialist policies. His controversial de-Stalinization campaign and economic reforms destabilized the USSR, weakening its global standing. The book unveils Khrushchev’s role in undermining collectivized agriculture, fostering bureaucratic mismanagement, and promoting capitalist tendencies within the socialist framework.</p><p>Unmasking Political Intrigue: Through archival research and expert analysis, Schnehen uncovers the covert power struggles within the Soviet leadership. Readers gain a rare glimpse into the secret meetings, shifting allegiances, and behind-the-scenes conflicts that characterized this tumultuous era. Khrushchev’s tactical maneuvering to sideline political opponents while consolidating authority is vividly detailed, making this book a compelling political thriller.</p><p>Economic Reforms and Their Consequences: The author explores how Khrushchev’s economic policies, including the infamous Virgin Lands Campaign and industrial decentralization, disrupted Soviet productivity. His failure to balance agricultural and industrial priorities led to recurring food shortages and widespread dissatisfaction. Schnehen’s critical examination highlights the long-term economic consequences that reverberated throughout the Soviet bloc.</p><p>The Ideological Fallout: Khrushchev’s Putsch also delves into the ideological shifts triggered by Khrushchev’s leadership. His denunciation of Stalin at the 20th Party Congress shattered the Soviet Union’s ideological unity, emboldening opposition movements within Eastern Europe and sparking a crisis of confidence among socialist allies. Schnehen illustrates how these ideological fractures played a decisive role in the USSR’s eventual disintegration.</p><p>A Scholarly Yet Accessible Analysis: Written with precision and clarity, Schnehen’s work is both an academic investigation and a narrative-driven account. The book is essential reading for historians, political scientists, and anyone intrigued by Soviet history, Cold War politics, and the ideological battles that defined the 20th century.</p><p><i>Khrushchev’s Putsch</p>challenges conventional narratives about Soviet history by spotlighting the destructive policies and power plays that hastened the USSR’s downfall. It is a compelling examination of how political ambition, economic mismanagement, and ideological conflict reshaped the modern world.</p>

Table content

Introduction 5A Word about the Title 9Chapter One: How Rousseau Became Our Guide 30Chapter Two: Revolution 45Enlightenment’s Reach 45America’s Conflict with Great Britain 48The Content and Spirit of the Declaration 50Inclusive or Exclusive Coverage? 53Other Explanations for the Equality Clause 55The French Experience in the Eighteenth Century 58Legacies 62Chapter Three: Reaction 71Equality’s Shadow 71Chapter Four: The Juggernaut of Commerce 83Liberty’s Uncertain Landscape: Europe in the 1800s 97Chapter Five: Anxiety for the Individual 105J.S. Mill 105Herbert Spencer 111Chapter Six: Slavery’s Abolition 122A Network of Volunteers 134Uncle Tom’s Cabin 136President Lincoln’s Proclamation 139Chapter Seven: Reconstruction 146Chapter Eight: Populism’s Challenge to Exploitive Business 155 Chapter Nine: The Urban Soul of Progressivism 168 Chapter Ten:The Citizenship of Women 177Historic Antecedents 186A Boost from Outside the Circle of Women 190Relevant Parts of the Preamble and the Wording of Article 21: 194Preamble 194Article 21 195Chapter Eleven: Social Mobilization Confronts the Great Depression 196What would Rousseau think of the New Deal? 210 Chapter Twelve: Domestic Innovation and the New International Cooperation in the Wake of World War II 213 Chapter Thirteen: Cold War Divisions 231Background 231Civil Rights 239EEOC: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 241Health Care: Senior Citizens and (Some) Others 243Education 245Anti-poverty Programs 248Chapter Fourteen: Philosophy Needs History 253