About the book
In the late nineteenth century, scientists began allying themselves with America’s corporate, political, and military elites. They did so not just to improve their professional standing and win more money for research, says Patrick McGrath, but for political reasons as well. They wanted to use their new institutional connections to effect a transformation of American political culture. They succeeded, but not in ways that all scientists envisioned or agreed upon.
McGrath describes how, between 1890 and 1960, scientific, business, and political leaders together forged a new definition of American democracy in which science and technology were presented to the public as crucial ingredients of the nation’s progress, prosperity, and political stability. But as scientists became more prominent, they provoked conflicts among themselves as well as with their institutional patrons over exactly how their expertise should be used. McGrath examines the bitter battles that erupted over the role scientists should play during the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War arms race, and the security and loyalty investigations of the 1950s. He finds that, by the end of the 1950s, scientists were regarded by the political and military elite not as partners but as subordinate technicians who were expected to supply weapons on demand for the Cold War state.
Originally published 2001.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Editions of Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807826553
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807874417
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807875285
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890867964
Read an Excerpt
In the late nineteenth century, scientists began allying themselves with America’s corporate, political, and military elites. They did so not just to improve their professional standing and win more money for research, says Patrick McGrath, but for political reasons as well. They wanted to use their new institutional connections to effect a transformation of American political culture. They succeeded, but not in ways that all scientists envisioned or agreed upon.
McGrath describes how, between 1890 and 1960, scientific, business, and political leaders together forged a new definition of American democracy in which science and technology were presented to the public as crucial ingredients of the nation’s progress, prosperity, and political stability. But as scientists became more prominent, they provoked conflicts among themselves as well as with their institutional patrons over exactly how their expertise should be used. McGrath examines the bitter battles that erupted over the role scientists should play during the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War arms race, and the security and loyalty investigations of the 1950s. He finds that, by the end of the 1950s, scientists were regarded by the political and military elite not as partners but as subordinate technicians who were expected to supply weapons on demand for the Cold War state.
Originally published 2001.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960 about?
In the late nineteenth century, scientists began allying themselves with America’s corporate, political, and military elites. They did so not just to improve their professional standing and win more money for research, says Patrick McGrath, but for political reasons as well. They wanted to use their new institutional connections to effect a transformation of American political culture. They succeeded, but not in ways that all scientists envisioned or agreed upon.
McGrath describes how, between 1890 and 1960, scientific, business, and political leaders together forged a new definition of American democracy in which science and technology were presented to the public as crucial ingredients of the nation’s progress, prosperity, and political stability. But as scientists became more prominent, they provoked conflicts among themselves as well as with their institutional patrons over exactly how their expertise should be used. McGrath examines the bitter battles that erupted over the role scientists should play during the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War arms race, and the security and loyalty investigations of the 1950s. He finds that, by the end of the 1950s, scientists were regarded by the political and military elite not as partners but as subordinate technicians who were expected to supply weapons on demand for the Cold War state.
Originally published 2001.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960?
Mathematics and Science > Science: general issues > History of science
Where can I read a sample of Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807826553
How long is Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960 and how many pages does it have?
Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960 has 264 page(s)
Is Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960 part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The Luther H. Hodges Jr. and Luther H. Hodges Sr. Series on Business, Entrepreneurship, and Public Policy
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960?
Patrick J. McGrath
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960 is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807826553) and paperback(ISBN 9780807874417) and ebook(ISBN 9780807875285) and pdf(ISBN 9798890867964)
Where can I buy Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960 online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960 from below
Where can I buy Scientists, Business, and the State, 1890-1960?