The Communistic Societies of the United States: From Personal Visit and Observation

In Short

The Communistic Societies of the United States is a detailed account of various communistic societies in 19th-century America, based on the author's personal visits and observations. Charles Nordhoff explores the history, organization, and daily life of these communities, including the Shakers, the Amana Society, and the Oneida Community. He examines their religious beliefs, economic practices, and social structures, offering insights into their successes and challenges. The book provides a unique perspective on alternative living arrangements and the pursuit of communal ideals in American history.

The Story

Nordhoff's journey begins with an introduction to the concept of communistic societies, which he defines as communities where individuals live and work together, sharing resources and responsibilities. He argues that these societies offer a potential solution to the problems faced by wage laborers, providing a path to economic independence and social harmony.

The author visits several communistic societies, starting with the Shakers, known for their religious devotion and skilled craftsmanship. He describes their daily routines, religious practices, and economic activities, highlighting their self-sufficiency and commitment to equality. Nordhoff also explores the Amana Society, a group of German Pietists who established a successful communal settlement in Iowa. He details their religious beliefs, governance structure, and economic practices, noting their prosperity and social cohesion.

Nordhoff's investigation extends to other communities, such as the Oneida Community, led by John Humphrey Noyes, which practiced complex marriage and a unique form of religious belief. He also examines the Icarians, inspired by the French utopian Étienne Cabet, and the Bishop Hill Colony, a Swedish communistic society. Each community is analyzed in terms of its history, organization, and challenges, providing a comprehensive overview of the diversity and complexity of communistic experiments in America.

Throughout the book, Nordhoff engages with the leaders and members of these societies, gaining firsthand insights into their motivations, beliefs, and daily lives. He discusses the economic advantages of communal living, such as shared resources and reduced waste, as well as the social benefits, including equality and mutual support. However, he also acknowledges the challenges, such as the potential for conflict and the difficulty of maintaining unity over time.

The book concludes with a reflection on the significance of these communistic societies in American history, highlighting their contributions to social and economic thought. Nordhoff argues that while not all of these experiments were successful, they offer valuable lessons about the possibilities and limitations of communal living.

How It Unfolds

Introduction to Communistic Societies: Nordhoff begins by defining communistic societies and arguing for their potential benefits, setting the stage for his exploration of various communities.

The Shakers: The author visits the Shakers, describing their religious practices, daily routines, and economic activities. He highlights their self-sufficiency and commitment to equality, providing a detailed account of their way of life.

The Amana Society: Nordhoff explores the Amana Society, a successful communal settlement established by German Pietists. He details their religious beliefs, governance, and economic practices, noting their prosperity and social cohesion.

The Oneida Community: The author examines the Oneida Community, led by John Humphrey Noyes, which practiced complex marriage and a unique form of religious belief. He discusses their social structure and economic activities, as well as the challenges they faced.

The Icarians and Bishop Hill Colony: Nordhoff investigates other communistic societies, such as the Icarians and the Bishop Hill Colony, analyzing their histories, organizations, and challenges. He provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity of communistic experiments in America.

Reflections and Conclusions: The book concludes with Nordhoff's reflections on the significance of these communistic societies in American history. He discusses the lessons learned from their successes and failures, emphasizing the importance of leadership, unity, and adaptability.

The People

Charles Nordhoff: The author and narrator, Nordhoff is a curious and observant traveler who seeks to understand the principles and practices of communistic societies. He engages with the leaders and members of these communities, gaining firsthand insights into their lives and beliefs.

The Shakers: A religious group known for their devotion and craftsmanship, the Shakers are characterized by their commitment to equality, self-sufficiency, and spiritual purity. Nordhoff describes their daily routines, religious practices, and economic activities, highlighting their unique way of life.

The Amana Society: Founded by German Pietists, the Amana Society is a prosperous and well-organized communal settlement. Nordhoff details their religious beliefs, governance structure, and economic practices, noting their success in maintaining social cohesion and economic stability.

John Humphrey Noyes: The leader of the Oneida Community, Noyes is a charismatic and controversial figure. He advocates for complex marriage and a unique form of religious belief, shaping the social structure and practices of his community.

The Icarians and Bishop Hill Colony: These communities, inspired by utopian ideals, face challenges in maintaining unity and economic stability. Nordhoff examines their histories and organizations, providing insights into the difficulties of communal living.

In Its Own Voice

Though it is probable that for a long time to come the mass of mankind in civilized countries will find it both necessary and advantageous to labor for wages, and to accept the condition of hired laborers (or, as it has absurdly become the fashion to say, employees), every thoughtful and kind-hearted person must regard with interest any device or plan which promises to enable at least the more intelligent, enterprising, and determined part of those who are not capitalists to become such, and to cease to labor for hire.

This opening paragraph sets the stage for Nordhoff's exploration of communistic societies as a potential solution to the problems faced by wage laborers.

They live well, after the hearty German fashion, and bake excellent bread. The table is clean, but it has no cloth. The dishes are coarse but neat; and the houses, while well built, and possessing all that is absolutely essential to comfort according to the German peasants' idea, have not always carpets, and have often a bed in what New-Englanders would call the parlor; and in general are for use and not ornament.

This description of the Amana Society's daily life highlights their emphasis on practicality and simplicity, reflecting their religious and cultural values.

The fundamental principle of communal life is the subordination of the individual's will to the general interest or the general will: practically, this takes the shape of unquestioning obedience by the members toward the leaders, elders, or chiefs of their society.

This passage explains the core principle of communal living, emphasizing the importance of unity and leadership in maintaining social harmony.

What It's Really About

The Communistic Societies of the United States is about the pursuit of alternative living arrangements and the quest for social and economic equality. Nordhoff explores the history, organization, and daily life of various communistic societies, examining their successes and challenges. The book raises questions about the nature of work, property, and community, as well as the role of religion and leadership in shaping social structures.

At its core, the book is about the human desire for a better way of life, free from the constraints of wage labor and individualism. Nordhoff's investigation reveals the complexities and possibilities of communal living, offering insights into the potential benefits and limitations of these experiments. He argues that while not all communistic societies were successful, they provide valuable lessons about the importance of unity, adaptability, and shared purpose.

Why Read It Today

The Communistic Societies of the United States offers a unique and detailed account of a fascinating chapter in American history. Readers interested in sociology, history, and alternative living arrangements will find Nordhoff's exploration of communistic societies engaging and informative.

The book provides a firsthand perspective on the daily lives and beliefs of these communities, offering insights into their motivations and challenges. Nordhoff's writing is clear and accessible, making complex ideas and practices understandable to a general audience.

While some readers may find the detailed descriptions and historical context challenging, others will appreciate the depth and richness of Nordhoff's analysis. The book raises important questions about the nature of work, property, and community, inviting readers to reflect on their own values and aspirations.

The Communistic Societies of the United States is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of communal living and the pursuit of social and economic equality. It offers a unique window into a world of alternative possibilities, reminding readers of the enduring human desire for a better way of life.