Imagine a world where, out of 100 families in a community, just 10 of them own nearly 70% of all the resources—luxurious homes, endless food, and limitless opportunities. Meanwhile, the bottom 50 families must share barely 2.5% of all resources, leaving them scraping by on almost nothing. Half of the town doesn’t have enough to survive. Seems outrageous, right? Like some cheap dystopian fiction? Wake up. it’s America today.

To put it plainly, in 2024, the top 10% of households control 67% of the nation’s wealth, while the bottom half is left with just 2.5%. This disparity is no accident. It is the product of centuries of elite control, built on systems designed to marginalize the working class. From the nation’s inception, where only wealthy white landowners had a say, to the present day, ordinary Americans have fought relentlessly to claim their share of democracy, justice, and rights. Yet, the fight is far from over. (Source)

This vast inequality is no accident. It’s the result of deliberate policies and systemic barriers that have preserved elite control while marginalizing the working class. But this story is also one of resistance, as generation after generation of ordinary Americans have organized, protested, and fought to claim their share of power. This article explores the roots of America’s class war, tracing its history from the founding of the republic to today, and highlighting the resilience and struggle of those who refuse to accept a system stacked against them. Let’s go through each era in our history. Grab some tea, it’s going to be a hell of a ride.

II. The Founding of America: A Republic for the Rich

The United States was founded on principles that heavily favored the elite. At the time of its inception, voting rights were limited to white, male property owners—a group that comprised only about 6% of the population. This exclusivity ensured that the political system served the interests of the wealthy, landowning class, leaving the majority of Americans without a voice. State-specific voting laws reinforced this inequality. For example, Virginia’s strict property qualifications tied political power directly to wealth, while South Carolina’s system was dominated by plantation aristocracy. Even in states like Pennsylvania, which initially expanded suffrage to tax-paying men, restrictions were later tightened to exclude many, including free Black men by 1838. (Source)

The Constitution itself enshrined safeguards to protect elite dominance. The Electoral College, established as a compromise between states with differing populations and economic systems, disproportionately empowered slaveholding states. As James Madison observed, states were divided not just by size but also by their economic interests, with slavery playing a central role in shaping political power. Similarly, the Senate’s structure—providing equal representation to all states regardless of population—favored smaller, agrarian states dominated by wealthy landowners.

Slavery was a cornerstone of this system, driving immense wealth for Southern plantation owners and fueling Northern industrial growth. The cotton and tobacco harvested by enslaved labor created economic interdependence between the two regions, ensuring that both profited from the exploitation of enslaved people. This wealth disparity entrenched a hierarchy that excluded not only enslaved individuals but also non-property-owning white men, women, and people of color from participating in the democratic process.

In summary, the early American republic was designed to uphold elite control through systemic barriers in voting, constitutional protections for wealth, and an economy built on slavery. This historical backdrop reveals how deeply inequality was embedded in the nation’s foundation, setting the stage for generations of struggle.

III. Industrialization and the Rise of Corporate Elites

The Age of Industrialization saw the emergence of powerful figures like John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan, collectively known as the Robber Barons. These men wielded immense economic power through monopolistic practices and labor exploitation. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil controlled over 90% of the U.S. oil industry, employing aggressive tactics like predatory pricing and acquisitions to eliminate competition. Carnegie built a steel empire on the backs of underpaid and overworked laborers, many of whom endured dangerous conditions for meager wages. Morgan, the financial mastermind, orchestrated industry-wide consolidations and manipulated markets to solidify his dominance.

The political influence of these elites extended beyond their corporate empires. Through strategic lobbying and campaign funding, they manipulated legislation to protect their interests. Railroad subsidies exemplified this dynamic, as government funds fueled the expansion of private rail networks, enriching industrialists while suppressing workers. Anti-union laws further exemplified their grip on the political system, as these laws were designed to curtail strikes and weaken collective bargaining.

Meanwhile, the working class bore the brunt of industrial expansion. The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 marked the first nationwide labor uprising in the U.S., sparked by wage cuts on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The strike spread across multiple states, involving over 500,000 workers and leading to violent clashes with state and federal forces. Despite its suppression, this strike underscored the growing unrest among laborers and the need for collective action.

In response to exploitation, workers began organizing into unions to advocate for fair wages and safer conditions. Early labor movements faced severe resistance, often met with violence from employers and authorities. These struggles laid the groundwork for the labor rights movements that would shape the 20th century.(source)

This era of industrialization vividly illustrates the deepening divide between corporate elites and the working class, setting the stage for the enduring narrative of resistance against economic and political oppression.

IV. The Progressive Era: Cracks in Elite Control

The Progressive Era marked a significant shift as investigative journalists and reformers began exposing the corruption and abuses of the elite, sparking public outrage and legislative action. Known as muckrakers, figures like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell played pivotal roles. Sinclair’s The Jungle (1906) uncovered the horrifying conditions in Chicago’s meatpacking industry, leading to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act. Although Sinclair’s primary goal was to shed light on the struggles of immigrant workers, his vivid descriptions of contaminated food shocked the public into action. Similarly, Tarbell’s The History of the Standard Oil Company (1904) exposed John D. Rockefeller’s unethical business practices, including manipulation of railroad rates and crushing competition. Her work was instrumental in the 1911 breakup of Standard Oil, setting a precedent for challenging monopolies.

Legislation during this era sought to curb the power of monopolies and increase democratic participation. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890) targeted monopolistic practices, although its early enforcement was limited. Under President Theodore Roosevelt, the act gained teeth, becoming a tool to break up large corporate trusts. Another critical reform was the 17th Amendment (1913), which mandated the direct election of U.S. Senators. Previously chosen by state legislatures, senators were often beholden to wealthy elites. This amendment was a victory for the populist movement, aimed at reducing corruption and increasing accountability.

The labor movement also gained momentum during the Progressive Era, fighting for shorter workdays, safer conditions, and union recognition. Strikes like the 1902 anthracite coal strike forced employers and the government to address workers’ grievances, leading to increased union legitimacy. The tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 further underscored the need for workplace safety reforms, galvanizing public support for stricter regulations. Labor unions also pushed for child labor laws, which culminated decades later in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

The Progressive Era demonstrated that the working class could achieve significant victories against entrenched elites through organized resistance and public pressure. This period set the stage for ongoing battles over economic and social justice, highlighting the power of collective action to challenge systemic inequalities.

`V. The Great Depression and New Deal: A Shift in Power

The Great Depression marked a seismic shift in American economic and social dynamics, exposing the vulnerabilities of unchecked speculation and elite control. The 1929 stock market crash, driven by excessive speculation during the Roaring Twenties, wiped out billions of dollars in wealth overnight. On “Black Tuesday,” October 29, 1929, panic selling reached a fever pitch, erasing life savings and plunging millions into uncertainty. Banks collapsed, businesses shuttered, and unemployment soared, with companies like Ford Motors halting production and furloughing workers.

Amid this economic collapse, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs sought to curb elite power and provide relief to ordinary Americans. Landmark initiatives like Social Security and labor protections were introduced, marking a rare period where working-class concerns took center stage. However, these reforms faced fierce resistance from business elites. Groups like the American Liberty League, backed by corporate giants such as the DuPont family, accused Roosevelt of overstepping his constitutional authority. Despite this opposition, the New Deal ushered in significant changes, including the rise of a new professional elite, which temporarily diluted the dominance of corporate magnates.

However, the New Deal’s legacy was marred by systemic racism. Programs like the Agricultural Adjustment Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps enforced segregation, while practices like redlining denied Black Americans access to housing and financial services. The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation institutionalized these disparities through “residential security maps,” which labeled predominantly Black neighborhoods as high-risk, perpetuating cycles of exclusion.

For the working class, the New Deal represented a turning point. Labor movements achieved victories in securing union recognition, shorter workdays, and safer conditions. Yet, these gains were not equally distributed, with Black Americans and other minorities often excluded from the era’s benefits. Despite its limitations, the New Deal remains a testament to the potential of collective action to challenge entrenched inequalities and reshape societal priorities.

VI. Post-WWII: The Rise of the Military-Industrial Complex

In the aftermath of World War II, the United States emerged as a global superpower, with its military and industrial sectors expanding dramatically. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s farewell address in 1961 famously warned of the dangers posed by the growing “military-industrial complex.” He cautioned against the unprecedented influence of a vast defense establishment entwined with private industry, which he believed could distort policy-making and endanger democracy. This period saw the institutionalization of defense spending as a cornerstone of American economic policy, creating deep ties between government and corporate interests.

The Cold War further entrenched this dynamic, as massive defense budgets were justified by the need to counter the Soviet Union. This militarization not only bolstered corporate profits but also shaped domestic policy. Public funds flowed into private hands, reinforcing the dominance of the elite while diverting resources from social programs that could have benefited the working class.

Simultaneously, the labor movement faced significant setbacks during this era. The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 curtailed union power, prohibiting closed shops and secondary boycotts while allowing states to pass “right-to-work” laws. These measures weakened labor militancy and imposed legal constraints that made organizing more difficult. As a result, union membership declined, diminishing the collective power of workers to challenge corporate dominance.

Amid these challenges, the Civil Rights Movement emerged as a powerful force of grassroots resistance. Nonviolent protests, boycotts, and legal challenges dismantled many aspects of the Jim Crow system, culminating in landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. While these victories expanded opportunities for Black Americans, they also exposed the enduring intersections of racial and economic inequality. The movement’s successes demonstrated the potential of organized resistance to disrupt elite control, even as systemic barriers persisted.

This era highlights the adaptability of elites in maintaining their dominance through alliances with state power and corporate interests, even in the face of significant social movements. It underscores the enduring struggle for equality and justice in a system designed to favor the powerful.

VII. The Neoliberal Turn: Corporate Domination (1980s–Present)

The 1980s ushered in a new era of corporate dominance, driven by the policies of Reaganomics and the rise of neoliberalism. President Ronald Reagan’s economic strategy focused on tax cuts for the wealthy, deregulation, and reductions in social safety nets. Under the guise of “trickle-down economics,” the top marginal tax rate was slashed from 70.1% to 28.4%, with the promise that the benefits would eventually reach all levels of society. However, this approach primarily enriched corporations and the elite, while public services like education, healthcare, and welfare suffered severe budget cuts. Deregulation further enabled corporate power, with industries such as finance and energy experiencing unprecedented freedom, often at the expense of workers and the environment.

The 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission compounded these trends by allowing unlimited corporate spending in political campaigns. This decision opened the floodgates for “dark money,” enabling corporations and wealthy individuals to wield immense influence over elections and policymaking. As super PACs became a dominant force, the interests of the elite increasingly dictated the political agenda, often sidelining the needs of the working class.

Despite these challenges, the working class has continued to resist. The Fight for $15 movement, which began in 2012, has secured wage increases for millions of workers and brought the issue of income inequality to the forefront. Similarly, the Occupy Wall Street movement of 2011 highlighted the disproportionate power of the “1%” and reignited public discourse on economic justice. Though these movements faced opposition and have yet to fully dismantle systemic inequality, they demonstrate the resilience and determination of grassroots organizing in challenging elite control.

The neoliberal era underscores the adaptability of corporate elites in maintaining dominance while highlighting the persistent efforts of the working class to demand a fairer system. This ongoing struggle defines the modern landscape of economic and political power in the United States.

VIII. Tools of Elite Rule and Resistance

Throughout U.S. history, the wealthy elite have employed a range of strategies to maintain their dominance and suppress opposition. These methods, often grounded in division and repression, have shaped the socioeconomic landscape, while grassroots resistance has persistently challenged their control.

Divide and Conquer

One of the most effective tools of elite rule has been to exploit societal divisions, particularly through racism and cultural wars. Following Reconstruction, white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan terrorized Black communities, using violence to dismantle political and economic progress. This strategy ensured that racial divisions would undermine cross-racial solidarity, preventing unified challenges to elite power. In modern times, elites have weaponized cultural issues such as trans rights and immigration to polarize working-class communities, diverting attention from shared economic struggles. By exacerbating these divisions, elites have successfully weakened collective efforts to demand systemic change.

Repression of Movements

When division fails, elites have often turned to outright repression to quell dissent. Historical examples include the Ludlow Massacre of 1914, where striking coal miners and their families were attacked by the Colorado National Guard and company guards, resulting in the deaths of 25 people, including children. In contemporary times, police militarization has been deployed against movements like Standing Rock and Black Lives Matter. Protesters have faced tear gas, rubber bullets, and mass arrests, illustrating the lengths to which the state and corporate interests will go to suppress organized resistance.

Grassroots Resistance

Despite these challenges, grassroots resistance has consistently emerged as a counterforce to elite control. Mutual aid networks, which provide direct support to communities in need, exemplify the power of collective action. From free breakfast programs to community health clinics, these efforts not only address immediate survival needs but also expose the failures of existing systems. Cross-racial working-class coalitions have also played a pivotal role in challenging elite power. The Rainbow Coalition of the 1960s united diverse groups, including the Black Panthers, Young Lords, and working-class whites, to tackle poverty and discrimination. These coalitions demonstrate the transformative potential of solidarity across racial and economic lines.

This section underscores the enduring tactics of elite rule—division, repression, and co-optation—while celebrating the resilience and creativity of grassroots movements. The ongoing struggle between these forces continues to shape the fight for economic and social justice in America.

If you enjoyed this long-form article, you might enjoy my short-form posts at Politicians suck! I also post on Substack first, so if you like early access to them, follow me or subscribe there!

Source links (had an issue organizing them)

https://www.stlouisfed.org/community-development-research/the-state-of-us-wealth-inequality
https://research.colonialwilliamsburg.org/Foundation/journal/Spring07/elections.cfm
https://law.yale.edu/sites/default/files/area/center/corporate/fall2021paper_einsteinkatherinelevine_10-14-21.pdf
https://www.liberationnews.org/the-electoral-college-protecting-the-rich-from-democracy-since-1787/
https://fastercapital.com/topics/the-monopolies-and-trusts-of-robber-barons.html
https://online.maryville.edu/business-degrees/americas-gilded-age/
https://oxfordre.com/americanhistory/abstract/10.1093/acrefore/9780199329175.001.0001/acrefore-9780199329175-e-931?d=%2F10.1093%2Facrefore%2F9780199329175.001.0001%2Facrefore-9780199329175-e-931&p=emailACu2Zc83azMw6
https://stonecenter.gc.cuny.edu/collective-action-law-and-the-fragmented-development-of-the-american-labor-movement/
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/great_depression.asp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_Street_Crash_of_1929
https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/stock-market-crash-of-1929
https://kb.osu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/4c25edea-6a63-52a1-a2c0-f1cd6abb55a2/content
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1316&context=jsc
https://blog.ucsusa.org/jknox/four-quotes-from-eisenhowers-military-industrial-complex-speech-that-still-resonate-today/
https://www.nlrb.gov/about-nlrb/who-we-are/our-history/1947-taft-hartley-substantive-provisions
https://oxfordre.com/americanhistory/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199329175.001.0001/acrefore-9780199329175-e-594?d=%2F10.1093%2Facrefore%2F9780199329175.001.0001%2Facrefore-9780199329175-e-594&p=emailAwyGei7wBiHPk
https://www.britannica.com/event/American-civil-rights-movement
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reaganomics
https://publicintegrity.org/inequality-poverty-opportunity/taxes/unequal-burden/how-four-decades-of-tax-cuts-fueled-inequality/
https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2019/01/citizens-united/
https://shortyawards.com/8th/the-fight-for-15https://shortyawards.com/8th/the-fight-for-15
https://www.citizensforethics.org/reports-investigations/crew-investigations/citizens-united-money-in-politics/
https://thefern.org/ag_insider/report-fight-for-15-movement-tackles-racial-wealth-gap/
https://www.lse.ac.uk/research/research-for-the-world/economics/tax-cuts-for-the-wealthy-only-benefit-the-rich-debunking-trickle-down-economics
https://fscj.pressbooks.pub/africanamericanhistory/chapter/racial-violence-in-reconstruction/
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/have-the-democrats-become-the-party-of-the-elites
https://uschinadialogue.georgetown.edu/responses/inequality-culture-war-and-imperiled-common-good-america-and-china
https://www.britannica.com/event/Ludlow-Massacre
https://publicintegrity.org/inequality-poverty-opportunity/taxes/unequal-burden/how-four-decades-of-tax-cuts-fueled-inequality/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reaganomics
https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2019/01/citizens-united/