Author
Gustavus Myers
1872-1942
Gustavus Myers (1872-1942) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Gustavus Myers
The History of Tammany Hall Second Edition
"The History of Tammany Hall" by Gustavus Myers is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the intricate and often scandalous history of Tammany Hall, a powerful political organization in New York City, detailing its origins, key figures, and its impact on American politics. Myers aims to provide a comprehensive and impartial narrative of Tammany's practices and its long-standing influence on the city's governance. At the start of the narrative, the author sets the stage for the history of the Tammany Society, also known as the Columbian Order, which was founded in 1789 as a form of resistance against aristocracy and an advocate for political equality. In the opening portion, Myers discusses the society's roots in early American democracy and its evolution into a political organization. He highlights the conflicts between different political factions, particularly during the rise of the Federalists and their opposition to Tammany's principles. The chapter elaborates on the society's ceremonial practices and the role of influential leaders, including Aaron Burr, setting the groundwork for the significant events and characters that shaped Tammany Hall's notorious legacy.
History of the Great American Fortunes, Vol. I Conditions in Settlement and Colonial Times
"History of the Great American Fortunes, Vol. I" by Gustavus Myers is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the origins and growth of significant fortunes in America, particularly focusing on the conditions during settlement and colonial times, and the impact of landownership and commerce on wealth accumulation. Myers aims to reveal the underlying socioeconomic systems that enabled the rise of these fortunes while critiquing the societal narratives that either glorify or vilify the wealthy. The opening of "History of the Great American Fortunes" establishes the author's intention to investigate the historical context of wealth in America, arguing that the great fortunes are products of systemic exploitation rather than mere success stories. Myers discusses how colonial landowners established significant estates and the dynamics of labor that evolved, including the introduction of both indentured servants and enslaved Africans to meet labor demands. This exploration sets the stage for a deeper understanding of how wealth was built on the foundations of inequity and exploitation during America’s formative years.
Great Fortunes from Railroads
"Great Fortunes from Railroads" by Gustavus Myers is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The book delves into the monumental fortunes amassed through the manipulation and control of railroad systems, examining the intertwining of wealth, government, and legal systems that facilitated this economic power. It particularly highlights the Vanderbilt and Gould fortunes, detailing how their wealth was acquired through a combination of industrial development, legislative corruption, and social inequalities. At the start of the work, Myers sets the stage by discussing the broader context of the American economy during the development of the rail industry. He contrasts the slow and individualistic growth of factory owners with the rapid accumulation of wealth by railroad magnates, illustrating the corrupt practices employed to seize public lands and secure legal advantages over the poorer classes. Myers argues that the laws established were often manipulated for the benefit of a select few, allowing them to monopolize resources while effectively disenfranchising the working population. This initial portion serves not only as an introduction to the rich historical narrative of railroad fortunes but also poses a critique of societal structures that enable capitalism to exploit labor and resources at the expense of common citizens.