Robert Moses, the subject of Robert Caro’s 1974 book ”The Power Broker,” was a dominant figure in New York City’s urban development from the late 1920s to the late 1960s. Known for his Machiavellian tactics, Moses held numerous influential titles that allowed him to reshape the city’s landscape without ever holding elected office. He was responsible for major projects like FDR Drive, Jones Beach, Shea Stadium, and numerous expressways and bridges, significantly altering Manhattan’s shoreline and displacing nearly half a million people. Despite his contributions to the city’s infrastructure, Moses’s legacy is marred by his controversial methods and racist policies. Caro’s biography not only chronicles Moses’s life but also serves as a broader examination of power dynamics and urban planning in democratic societies.
Moses: New York’s powerful builder.
- Robert Moses’s immense power: Robert Moses, the subject of Robert Caro’s biography “The Power Broker,” wielded unprecedented influence over New York City’s development for nearly 40 years. He held numerous overlapping positions, granting him virtually unchecked authority to build infrastructure projects.
- Methods and impact: Moses used his power to reshape New York City, building parks, parkways, bridges, and public housing. However, he achieved this by bulldozing entire neighborhoods, displacing hundreds of thousands of people, predominantly poor and non-white communities, to benefit wealthier, whiter populations. His actions significantly altered the city’s landscape and influenced urban planning across America.
- Power broker tactics: Moses operated as a “power broker,” leveraging influence and connections to bypass democratic processes. He ensured his projects benefited powerful individuals and industries, who in turn supported his continued authority. He prioritized building projects, daring politicians to challenge his actions.
- Racist practices: Caro’s biography reveals Moses’s deep-seated racism. His projects often negatively impacted minority communities. The destruction of Little Syria is a prime example of his disregard for the needs and well-being of non-white populations.
- Legacy and lasting impact: Despite the ethical concerns surrounding his methods, many of Moses’s projects, like Jones Beach and numerous parks, remain cherished aspects of New York City. His approach, however, highlights the challenges democracies face in balancing large-scale public works with the rights and needs of affected communities.
- “The Power Broker” as a seminal work: Caro’s book is considered a landmark achievement in biographical writing, despite some criticisms of specific anecdotes or arguments. It offers valuable insights into the complexities of power, urban development, and the limitations of democratic processes in addressing large-scale infrastructure projects. The book remains relevant today due to ongoing debates surrounding similar issues.
