Populism, monopoly, and the urban liberal–rural populist coalition

The chapter traces the political history of anti-monopoly from the late 1800s until the 1960s, examining the political coalitions that were formed between urban liberals and rural populists. It discloses that mid-twentieth century growth liberalism meant the demise of anti-monopolism with urban liberals, thereby pushing rural populists out of the Democratic Party. In charting histories, the chapter reveals populism’s protean character and performative possibilities, demonstrating their inflections are shaped by complex historical circumstances.