Presented by Willard Hurst as part of his course "Introduction to Modern American Legal History" at the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1978. A discussion centering on individualism begins with an investigation of Thoreau's thoughts on individual values within the social order. Reliance upon law to protect individualism is juxtaposed to the steady of expansion of the state and its service roles. The case of Commonwealth v. Hunt is used to illustrate the relation between associated action and market behavior. This leads to a consideration of conspiracy and civil liberties, and the social importance of public education. This lecture serves as a continuation of the previous discussion on individualism as it further investigates the impersonal nature of the market. Marx's thoughts on the industrial revolution in urban England serve to highlight various aspects of America's northern market oriented society. Criticisms directed towards the market as a social institution is addressed, the influence of technology, and Horace Mann's opinions on the need for public education.
