"A compelling case for the prominent role of presidents in the social and economic fabric of American life."--Vicki Howard, author of From Main Street to Mall: The Rise and Fall of the American Department Store

Tracing the development of the U.S. presidency since Harry S. Truman took office in 1945, this volume describes the many ways the president's actions have affected the development of capitalism in the post-World War II era.

Contributors show how the American "Consumer-in-Chief" has exerted a decisive hand as well as behind-the-scenes influence on the national economy...