What did the three authors Edward Bellamy, Henry George, and Thorstein Veblen have in common?

Edward Bellamy, Henry George, and Thorstein Veblen were all prominent American social theorists and writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for their critiques of capitalism and explorations of social and economic reforms. Here are some commonalities among them:

1. Critique of Capitalism: Each author offered a critical perspective on capitalist society. Bellamy’s work, particularly in his novel "Looking Backward," presented a vision of a future socialist society that contrasted with the inequalities of his own time. George advocated for land reform and proposed the "Single Tax" on land value to eliminate economic inequities. Veblen critiqued the social behaviors and habits of the wealthy and the institutions of capitalism in works like "The Theory of the Leisure Class."

2. Social Reform: They all promoted ideas for social reform, aiming to address economic inequalities and improve the social conditions of their time. Bellamy's utopian vision proposed a cooperative economic model, while George emphasized land reform as a way to address poverty and inequality. Veblen highlighted the need to understand and reshape social institutions to promote more equitable and sustainable practices.

3. Influence on Progressive Era Thought: Their ideas resonated with and influenced the broader Progressive Era movement in the United States, which sought to address issues such as economic inequality, labor rights, and corporate power.

4. Alternative Economic Models: Each proposed various alternatives to the prevailing economic systems of their time. Bellamy supported a planned economy based on cooperation, George emphasized a tax system that would address land monopolization, and Veblen highlighted the importance of social and cultural factors in economic behavior.

5. Humanism and Ethical Concerns: All three authors emphasized ethical considerations in economics and advocated for systems that prioritized human welfare, community welfare, and ethical governance over profit maximization.

Despite their differing specific proposals and ideas, their works collectively contributed to the rich discourse on economic reform and social justice, influencing later thinkers and movements seeking to address inequality and promote social welfare.