Against the Grain

Sound Bite

Dynamic individuals, one man or one woman at a time, frequently have played a role in slowing or hastening the forces that make history. Prof. Underhill shows the personalities, strengths and weaknesses of six men whose momentous decisions helped shape society. High school and college students may have heard of Ignatius Donnelly, Theodore Roosevelt, Eugene Debs, Robert LaFollette, George Norris and Henry Agard Wallace; this informal history brings them to life and shows how they split from their friends and party affiliations to advocate ideas that seemed wild at the time but which later became accepted by mainstream America.

About the Book

In history books we read tales of men and women who spoke for ideas well in advance of their acceptance by the public; sometimes such heresy exacted heavy tolls sacrifice of reputation, abandonment of personal goals, and loss of office or fortune.

Courage has many faces, and in some ways it is most impressive when one stands alone with only his or her conscience as a guide few to cheer but many to hiss. Such is the plight of the rebel who severs party connections and alienates friends as he voices his moral convictions. The six persons profiled in this book were members of differing political parties, and each of them put aside personal goals by advocating measures unpopular at the time with most of the public.

Prof. Underhill shows their personalities, strengths and weaknesses while highlighting their momentous decisions that helped shape society. Eugene Debs was sent to a federal prison for defending freedom of speech amid the hysteria of World War I. Other individuals may be less known, but in speaking their consciences they left indelible marks on the pages of history.

Introduction

Against the Grain: Six Men Who Shaped America by Robert Underhill focuses on six pivotal figures who played a crucial role in shaping American history, championing people's rights and pushing back against Big Capital in the early 1900s. The individuals—Ignatius Donnelly, Theodore Roosevelt, Eugene Debs, Robert LaFollette, George Norris, and Henry Agard Wallace—challenged societal norms and political affiliations to push for ideas initially seen as radical but later embraced as part of mainstream American thinking. Underhill’s engaging writing brings these trailblazers to life, offering a fresh perspective on their contributions to social and political change.

The Power of Individual Influence

Demonstrating how powerful individual actions can be in shaping history, these men, through courage and determination, defied their contemporaries and left an indelible mark on American society. Their bold visions challenged the status quo and influenced the nation’s direction.

Ignatius Donnelly: A Visionary Reformer

Underhill begins with a 19th-century politician and writer who championed agrarian reform and workers' rights. He advocated economic fairness in an era dominated by industrial monopolies.

Theodore Roosevelt: A Progressive Force

One of America’s most iconic presidents, Roosevelt’s commitment to breaking up monopolies, regulating big business, and conserving natural resources made him a symbol of progressivism. Underhill showcases how Roosevelt’s determination to challenge the corporate elite reshaped American politics and strengthened the government’s role in serving the public interest.

Eugene Debs: The Advocate for Workers

A labor leader and five-time presidential candidate, Eugene Debs was a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and socialism. His once-radical ideas on labor rights and social justice have since become foundational to American labor policy.

Robert LaFollette: The Reformist Senator

A Governor and then a senator, La Follette championed political reform as a relentless advocate for transparency and democracy. His efforts to combat government corruption and promote direct democracy made him a central figure in the progressive movement.

George Norris: New Deal Architect

George Norris, a senator from Nebraska, played a pivotal role in shaping the New Deal. He championed public power initiatives such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, to bring electricity to rural areas.

Henry Agard Wallace: A Global Visionary

Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt, Wallace was a staunch advocate for global peace and economic justice. Wallace’s progressive views on civil rights and diplomacy often clashed with conservative elements of American politics, but his visionary leadership remains relevant in modern discussions of social justice and international cooperation.

Learning from the Past

Against the Grain reminds of the importance of individual action in shaping history. Underhill encourages readers to learn from the past and be unafraid to challenge the status quo. Underhill offers profound insights into how history is shaped by those willing to push boundaries and fight for their beliefs.