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Cleaning San Francisco, cleaning the United States: The graft prosecutions of 1906–1909 and their nationwide consequences

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  • Uwe Spiekermann

Abstract

This case study examines public debates on, and investigations of, corrupt city officials and bribe-giving businesspeople in the western metropolis of San Francisco during the era of progressivism. Law enforcement was not only difficult because of the lack of juridical evidence but also because large portions of the local business elites were benefiting from illicit structures. The prosecutions failed, but financier, banker and capitalist Rudolph Spreckels initiated a national anti-graft movement in the early 1910s, which discussed the concept of corporate social and civic responsibility as an alternative to criminal prosecution and an opportunity to harmonise class conflicts.

Suggested Citation

  • Uwe Spiekermann, 2018. "Cleaning San Francisco, cleaning the United States: The graft prosecutions of 1906–1909 and their nationwide consequences," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 60(3), pages 361-380, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:60:y:2018:i:3:p:361-380
    DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2017.1369963
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