The Conflict between Private Monopoly and Good Citizenship

"The Conflict between Private Monopoly and Good Citizenship" by John Graham Brooks is a critical examination which unveils how private monopolies clash with the principles of good citizenship in a democratic society. Published in 1909, the book dissects the ways monopolies evolved in the United States, revealing how they often corrupt political systems and damage public welfare by disconnecting economic power from public accountability. The book argues that a relentless chase for wealth has compromised ethical standards in business and politics, paving the way for lawlessness; it further pushes for social control and regulation as necessary for shielding the community from exploitation. Ultimately, Brooks envisions a future where government champions public welfare over private gain, managing the economy to benefit the many rather than a select few.