Presented by Willard Hurst as part of his course "Introduction to Modern American Legal History" at the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1978. The new directions public policy took and the use of fiscal powers to redirect business cycles are examined after the period of the great depression. These trends are tied to new demands for the regimentation of labor, the legitimacy of organized power, and improved management/labor relations. The Wagner Act of 1934 and social mobility through the vote are used as examples of the formal legal responses that were utilized to effect change. The legal protections that were afforded to employees through the Wagner Act are further explored as Hurst continues to discuss the adaptation of public policy. He ties this discussion to John Locke's thoughts on the creative elements of human nature, and the collective bargaining farmers engaged in to dislodge the absolute power of the railroad industry.
