With the rise of groups like Democratic Socialists of America and the push to form political parties to the left of the Democrats, questions often arise about why there is not a labor or socialist party tradition in America. Prominent labor historian Kim Moody tackles this question using extensive research and presents the argument that while American history has deep radical roots but because of specific migratory patterns in the late 1800's none of those roots were able to take hold in a lasting, institutionalized way. This book will appeal to activists, historians and students looking to better understand why the American political system is in many "exceptional" when compared to its European counterparts.