In 1883, a significant change was implemented in the United States through civil service reform. This reform aimed at reducing political influence over government jobs and ensuring that hiring was based on merit rather than party loyalty. According to Carroll Quigley's interpretation, when this reform took place, those who supported it—likely business leaders and other influential figures—believed they would have equal control over both major political parties as a result.
The deeper meaning of Quigley’s statement suggests that the architects of civil service reform were perhaps naïve or overly optimistic about its impact. The belief was that by creating a system where government employment was merit-based, both Democrats and Republicans could be equally influenced or controlled by these business interests. However, this view overlooks the complexities of political power dynamics and human nature. It assumes that equal influence can be achieved simply through structural changes without considering the inherent differences in ideologies and strategies between parties, as well as the potential for new forms of partisan politics to emerge.
Carroll Quigley was a respected historian and professor who taught at several prestigious institutions including Harvard University and Princeton University. Known for his insightful analysis of historical events and their underlying economic and political influences, Quigley wrote extensively on topics such as American foreign policy, international relations, and the global monetary system. His work often delved into complex subjects in a way that made them accessible to both academics and general readers alike.
