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Was America born capitalist? A counter view

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  • Tyson, Thomas N.
  • Oldroyd, David
  • Fleischman, Richard K.

Abstract

This paper is a response to Part 1 of Rob Bryer's analysis of American business consciousness in the period prior to the mid-1800s. It argues that RB's historical model for tracking the transition to capitalism in the US based on accounting signatures is too simplistic, and that the evidence he presents is ambiguous, relying as it does on the interpretation of secondary sources. The paper questions RB's unique definition of capitalism as well as his conception of a clear point of divide between the capitalist and pre-capitalist worlds, and argues that the capitalist mentality or spirit existed in America long before the early 20th century based on current evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Tyson, Thomas N. & Oldroyd, David & Fleischman, Richard K., 2013. "Was America born capitalist? A counter view," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 379-396.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:crpeac:v:24:y:2013:i:4:p:379-396
    DOI: 10.1016/j.cpa.2013.01.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oldroyd, David & Tyson, Thomas N. & Fleischman, Richard K., 2015. "American ideology, socialism and financial accounting theory: A counter view," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 209-218.

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