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The Evolution of Fiscal Fairness in the United States and Europe: A Historical Perspective

Clarence Mitchell

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Published in Taxing The Rich: A History Of Fiscal Fairness In The United States And Europe

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Fiscal fairness is a concept that has been debated for centuries. It refers to the idea that the distribution of wealth and income should be fair and equitable. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history of fiscal fairness in the United States and Europe, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present day. It explores the various theories, policies, and practices that have shaped the distribution of wealth and income, and examines the impact of these policies on social and economic development.

Taxing the Rich: A History of Fiscal Fairness in the United States and Europe

by Kenneth Scheve

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Ancient Greece and Rome

The concept of fiscal fairness has its roots in ancient Greece. The philosopher Aristotle argued that the state should strive to achieve a balance between the interests of the rich and the poor. He believed that excessive inequality could lead to social unrest and political instability. In ancient Rome, the concept of fiscal fairness was enshrined in the Twelve Tables, which established the principle of progressive taxation. This principle held that the wealthy should pay a higher proportion of their income in taxes than the poor.

The Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the concept of fiscal fairness was largely ignored. The feudal system, which was the dominant economic system of the time, was based on the principle of primogeniture. This principle held that the eldest son of a landowner would inherit the entire estate, regardless of his ability or merit. This system led to a high degree of inequality, as the wealthy landowners grew increasingly wealthy, while the poor peasantry struggled to survive.

The Renaissance and Reformation

The Renaissance and Reformation periods saw a renewed interest in the concept of fiscal fairness. The humanist philosophers of the Renaissance argued that all people were equal in the eyes of God, and that they should therefore be treated equally under the law. This view was supported by the Protestant reformers, who argued that the Bible taught that all people were equal before God. These ideas helped to lay the foundation for the modern concept of fiscal fairness.

The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was a period of intellectual and philosophical ferment that took place in Europe during the 18th century. The Enlightenment thinkers argued that all people were born with certain natural rights, including the right to liberty, equality, and property. These ideas had a profound impact on the development of fiscal fairness. The American Revolution and the French Revolution were both inspired by Enlightenment ideas, and they both enshrined the principle of fiscal fairness in their constitutions.

The 19th Century

The 19th century saw the rise of industrial capitalism. This new economic system led to a dramatic increase in wealth and income inequality. The wealthy industrialists grew increasingly wealthy, while the working class struggled to make ends meet. This inequality led to a number of social and political movements, including the labor movement and the socialist movement. These movements argued that the government should play a more active role in reducing inequality and promoting social justice.

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a period of great change and upheaval. The two world wars and the Great Depression led to a reassessment of the role of government in the economy. The Keynesian Revolution, which emerged in the 1930s, argued that the government should use fiscal policy to stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment. This theory led to a number of government programs that aimed to promote social justice and reduce inequality.

The 21st Century

The 21st century has seen a continued debate over the role of government in the economy. The global financial crisis of 2008 led to a renewed interest in fiscal fairness. The Occupy Wall Street movement and the Bernie Sanders campaign both argued that the wealthy should pay a fairer share of taxes. The future of fiscal fairness is uncertain, but it is clear that this issue will continue to be debated in the years to come.

The history of fiscal fairness is a long and complex one. The concept of fiscal fairness has evolved over time, as different societies have grappled with the challenge of distributing wealth and income fairly. The future of fiscal fairness is uncertain, but it is clear that this issue will continue to be debated in the years to come.

Taxing the Rich: A History of Fiscal Fairness in the United States and Europe

by Kenneth Scheve

4.2 out of 5