Crisis and Leviathan: Critical Episodes in the Growth of American Government, 25th Anniversary Edition (Independent Studies in Political Economy) 25 Anv Edition

by Robert Higgs (Author), Arthur A. Ekirch Jr. (Foreword)

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ISBN-13: 978-1598131116

ISBN-10: 1598131117

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Discussing how government has continually grown in size and scope during the past century, this account demonstrates that the main reason lies in government’s responses to national “crises” (real or imagined), including economic upheavals and, especially, war. The result, this book argues, is the ever-increasing government power, which endures long after each crisis has passed, impinging on both civil and economic liberties and fostering extensive corporate welfare. Offering ideological explanations for the ascension of the role of government out of a capitalist, free-market economy, it will appeal to those with interests in political economy, American history, and libertarian politics.

Crisis and Leviathan: Critical Episodes in the Growth of American Government, 25th Anniversary Edition (Independent Studies in Political Economy)

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Higgs, a political economist, analyzes how the American federal government has come to exercise so much control over individuals and the marketplace in this century. Essentially he proposes that government control, which increases during a war or economic depression, continues after the crisis, with each increase influencing the prevailing ideology, making further increases more acceptable to the public. The process involves government taking on new functions more than expanding traditional ones. Because of this ratchet-like movement toward ever bigger government, Higgs is somewhat pessimistic about the survival of individual rights and a free society. Recommended for academic and large public libraries. David Steiniche, Social Sciences Department, Missouri Western State College, St. Joseph
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“A book of major importance, thoroughly researched, closely argued, and meticulously documented. It should be high on the reading list of every serious student of the American political system.” —Political Science Quarterly

“An important, powerful, and profoundly disturbing book.” —James M. Buchanan, Nobel Laureate in Economic Science, Journal of Economic History

“A thoughtful and challenging work.” —Harper’s

“Insightful, compelling, and clear, Higgs breaks new ground in explicating the most important socio-political trend of our time—the growth of American government.” —Freeman

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Product details

Series: Independent Studies in Political Economy
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Independent Institute; 25 Anv edition (January 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1598131117
ISBN-13: 978-1598131116
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 17 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #393,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #883 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > General
- #1118 in Books > Business & Money > Biography & History > Economic History
- #1326 in Books > Textbooks > Social Sciences > Political Science > Government

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How Governments Grow Out of Control

ByFrancis R. Handon March 9, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Anything Dr. Higgs writes is impeccably researched and logically organized. This book was published originally in 1987, while Prof. Higgs was teaching a Lafayette College. The current edition does not have any new material, even though there are plenty of example since the date of publication that illustrate the thesis of this book. But that's OK; the book has enough to convince the reader.
If you have any doubt that government uses crises - both natura and manufactured - to increase its power over the people, this book will dissipate those doubts. Rahm Emanuel, formerly of the Obama administration, said "You never want a serious crisis to go to waste...it's an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before". Prof. Higgs shows convincingly how this has occurred over the history of the US government since the mid-1890s, and why we have Leviathan now instead of the limited government envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

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Always timely

ByMax Hocutton June 26, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Bob Higgs' brilliant book Crisis and Leviathan recounts in vivid historical detail the so-called ratchet theory of growth in government. According to this theory, a continual increase in the size and intrusiveness of government has been promoted by government exploitation of periodic crises--chiefly depressions and wars. Introduced as temporary measures to deal with these crises, government controls and taxes accompanied by government propaganda, have gradually inured the citizenry to a continuing diminution of their freedom. Hence, a people who once regarded government as an evil justified only by its necessity increasingly regards it as the solution for all their problems and the provider of all good things. The story is depressing, but Higgs tells it well and documents the telling most interestingly.

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Crisis and Leviathan

ByWatsonon August 28, 2010

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Robert Higgs did not intend to write a tragedy, but since the publication of Crisis and Leviathan 26 years ago, reading this is like reading a tragedy--the tragedy is the loss of the Republic and its liberties.

First, consider when Robert Higgs wrote this book as it was published in 1984. This is original, critical thinking at its best.

The thesis is a ratchet theory of Big Government, and consequent loss of individual freedom and liberty.

I highly recommend anyone interested in the truth of the evolution of our Republic read this book to find out how we got here--and the bibliography is a treasure chest of references for further reading and areas to explore.

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The most important book on understanding the threat of just ...

ByEricon March 1, 2016