State of the union is a uniquely important study of the labor movement in twentieth century american politics lichtenstein demonstrates both an intricate grounded knowledge of union dynamics and a finely nuanced sophisticated understanding of american political history since the new deal. State of the union is a fascinating survey of twentieth century american labor unlike many such works nelson lichtensteins synthesis is a pleasure to read p we use cookies to enhance your experience on our websiteby continuing to use our website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The labor question stood close to the core of american politics and social imagination during the 1930s this was not because the great depression made so many people poor and desperate though it did but because during the era of the new deal an amelioration of the labor question seemed inexorably bound up with a structural solution to the crisis of american capitalism itself. The labor question stood close to the core of american politics and social imagination during the 1930s this was not because the great depression made so many people poor and desperate though it did but because during the era of the new deal an amelioration of the labor question seemed inexorably bound up with a structural solution to the crisis of american capitalism itself. State of the union a century of american labor revised and expanded edition politics and society in modern america 91 lichtenstein nelson on amazoncom free shipping on qualifying offers state of the union a century of american labor revised and expanded edition politics and society in modern america