賀伯特．克羅利政治思想研究：1909-1921

Abstract

The late 19th century and early 20th century is a critical period in American history. Industrialization in American society not only changed the way of production but further brought about changes of social structure and interpersonal interaction as well. Confronted with such great impacts, Herbert Croly achieved profound understanding of American democracy and expressed his ideas of governmental role in societies. His main work, The Promise of American Life, in which he comprehensively presented his political ideas, was regarded as a must-read book to understand the Progressive Movement. Besides, his articles in The New Republic, which he founded in 1914 and has long been regarded as one of the most influential journals in the U.S, indirectly influenced Woodrow Wilson’s foreign policy. This thesis mainly focuses on Croly’s political thought through the analyses of The Promise of American Life and his articles in The New Republic; besides, in order to integrate Croly’s thought with political circumstances at the time, this thesis also discusses Croly’s interaction with two influential Presidents, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Croly was absorbed in the philosophies of Pragmatism and Positivism during his early years. Positivism inculcated Croly the ideas of altruism and expansion of governmental power. Pragmatism inspired Croly to promote experimental reform policies. Croly devoted his life to coordinating personal liberty and social orders. He never gave up the hope of propelling people to practice virtues through governmental power. However, while advocating that government should be granted with more power to force people to carry out social responsibilities, he ignored the fact that moral behavior should derive from personal willingness. While zealously calling on the Wilson Administration to promote his political ideas to the whole world, he overlooked the problems of political struggles within the United States and international war debt. All in all, the reform ideas that Croly advocated are idealistic but they also signify that the American society was moving from laissez faire doctrine to managed capitalism.